COPALA CELEBRATES IT'S RICH HISTORY

By Robert Kent DeWitt

FFirst was Carnival... then comes Semana Santa and more endless traffic jams. When younger, it seemed agreeable to party more, but these days it seems pleasurable to escape some of the noise and see some of the real Mexico. After all, it isn’t just cheap housing and sunshine that brought us south. The Mexican calendar seems filled with special days celebrating a different saint each day of the year. One such saint is San Jose, the patron saint of Copala, just a half hour east of Concordia on Mex 40, the highway to Durango. This year San Jose Days coincides with part of Semana Santa and are celebrated on March 17, 18, and 19th. The small Spanish colonial mining town comes alive with street vendors, live music in the plaza, a small carnival with rides for the kids, and gaily dressed locals truly celebrating their good fortune to live in such a beautiful place in Mexico. It isn’t hype for the tourists but a true local celebration. Tourists do come almost daily by tour bus either from the cruise ships on a day trip or the hotel visitors. Even a few of those who live seasonally in Mazatlán manage to come for a few hours of comparative tranquility, and some great food in the local restaurants. If you are an early traveler, you can get there on a local bus with daily service from Mazatlán or more frequent service to Concordia and then by catching an auriga, a small pickup that carries passengers inexpensively. Francisco de Ibarra, Spanish explorer and conquistador, following rumors of rich mineral deposits, crossed the Sierra Madre Mountains from Durango in 1562 to conquer what is now southern Sinaloa. His prospectors eventually discovered silver veins in the new territory, andin 1565, de Ibarra founded

the town of Copala. Today, Copala is one of only a few small Spanish colonial villages remaining from the 1500’s and is quite picturesque with cobblestone streets. It has a population of about 650 people, only a very a small number of which are foreigners. It is located about 40 miles east of Mazatlán in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. It is home to the Baroque style stone church of their patron saint, San Jose. The church was completed in about 1775 though the exact date is unknown. The official documents were destroyed by the French who temporarily conquered Mexico in the 1860’s. Its completion was financed by a wealthy miner, the Marquis of Pánuco. There are very old and beautiful paintings as well as a stunning altar inside. In front of the church lies the Zócalo (plaza} where live music will be featured during the celebration. Of course Copala is worth a visit any time! Lodging: Guest housing is somewhat limited, but comfortable rooms may be had at Daniel’s hotel. For reservations call Lupita at 669-102-1469. Additionally David Gonza1ez’s guest house may be reached at 669-102-1328. Rooms are available in Concordia just 15 miles from Copala and the entire drive is just a little over an hour from Mazatlán, God willing. Driving Directions: Depart Mazatlán, heading southeast on Highway 15 towards Tepíc. At Villa Unión, turn east, or inland, following the signs toward Durango onto Highway 40. You may take either the new road, which currently ends at Concordia, or take the Libre (free) road. The new highway is quickest and doesn’t yet charge a toll... but why be in a hurry. From Concordia continue east on Highway 40 for about 15 miles to Copala, which is off the highway about ¾ of a mile at a well marked turn.

 

 

 

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