Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico - The city of Uruapan, best known as the Avocado capital of Mexico, has numerous cultural events during the year. Among those are Noche de Muertos and Fiesta de Velas (Candle Fest). But, the premiere event takes place during Semana Santa (Holy Week). This year's dates are April 8th to 23rd.

More than 1,300 artisans will display and sell their wares in the four-block-long main city square. It is the largest exposition of its type in Latin America. Forty seven communities will be represented. They are from several indigenous backgrounds. Among them are Purepecha, Mazahua, Otomi and Nahua.

Among the products to be displayed and sold are: ceramics; copper (from Santa Clara del Cobre, where items produced range from ash trays, copper furniture and church bells are crafted); palm and carved wood items; and embroidered fabrics, shirts and blouses.

Works will be displayed and judged at the Antigua Fabrica San Pedro (formerly a cotton mill) and the Casa de la Cultura. At the latter, there will be colorful dances each night. Dancers will come from Uruapan's 8 barrios wearing traditional pre-Hispanic costumes.

There will also be several parades and religious processions. Two of the most popular are the parade of the artisans and the parade of the water carriers. In the latter, women dressed in traditional costumes will carry clay pots on their shoulders. They will fill them at the Rios Cupatitzio and walk along one of the main streets to the Templo Inmaculada where the water will be blessed.

On Palm Sunday, hundreds of weavers will be seen on the plazas of the two large churches opposite the plaza. They will be weaving palm into religious tokens and other objects. There will also be a re-enactment of the sentencing of Christ by Pontius Pilate.

Accommodations:
If you want to be in the center of the action, Casa Serenity is the best place to stay. It is a nearly 450 year-old adobe, historic home. On Calle Corregidora, it is a short walk to all of the activities you will want to enjoy. Check out the website CasaSerenity1.com

About the Author:
John Glaab is active in international real estate circles. John is a member of Associated Realty of the Americas, (AREA) Mexican Real Estate Association (AMPI) and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). In 2012 he was named the International Member of the Year by NAR. you can contact John at john.glaab(at)settlement-co.com.