| San Luis Potosi is known as the
City of Gardens.
Capital of San
Luis Potosi, the city owes its existence and architectural
splendor to a wealth of minerals. It was founded as a Franciscan
mission in 1592, but it wasn't long before the Spanish discovered
rich deposits of gold and silver in the country and began to
develop the area.
After the independence, the city played important roles in several
political upheavals. General Santa Ana trained his troops here
before confronting the invading Texans at the Alamo in 1846.
In the 1860s, ousted president Benito Juarez twice established
the city as Mexico’s provisional capital.
San Luis Potosi has at least one garden in each of its seven
original districts. There is also at least one magnificent church
in each of the seven districts, giving San Luis Potosí
a strong religious feel. The main historical district is concentrated
in the center of the city, with several streets closed to traffic.
The town is packed with architectural extravagances that reflect
its early wealth. The 18th-century cathedral and the imposing
municipal palace face each other across the main plaza, the
Plaza de Armas. The magnificence of the Iglesia de San Agustin,
the Iglesia de San Francisco, and the Teatro de la Paz grace
other plazas throughout the city.
Several interesting museums are also available throughout the
city. The Museo Regional Potosino, Museo de Culturas Populares
and Museo Nacional de las Mascaras, where more than 700 ceremonial
masks are on display, are some of the highly recommended museums
to visit. Depending on the subject of interest, travelers can
learn about the local history, the Huastec culture, handicrafts
and costumes from various regions in Mexico.
San Luis Potosi is also a town of festivals. In mid-January,
pilgrims flock to the shrine of San Sebastian. Music, theater
and dance entertain revelers at the ten-day Festival de las
Artes in May. July brings the Festival de la Danza and performances
by contemporary dance troupes, while the town's patron saint,
San Luis Rey, is commemorated in August with a parade and fiesta.
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