Fuente de las Tarascas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fuente de las Tarascas |
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|---|---|
| Artist | Antonio Silva Díaz (artist, 1931) Benigno Lara (sculptor, 1931) José Luis Padilla Retana (sculptor, 1984) |
| Year | 1931 (Díaz and Lara) 1984 (Padilla) |
| Medium | Concret (Díaz and Lara) Bronze (Padilla) |
| Location | Morelia |
| 19°42′10.3″N 101°10′56.7″W / 19.702861°N 101.182417°W | |
The Fuente de las Tarascas (which means "Fountain of the Tarascas") is a famous fountain and sculpture. It is located in Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico. People also call it the Fuente de la Fertilidad (Fertility Fountain). It is a very well-known landmark in the city.
The Original Fountain
The first version of this fountain was created by Antonio Silva Díaz and Benigno Lara. It was put in place in 1931. You could find it at the intersection of Francisco I. Madero Avenue and Acueducto Avenue. This is in the historic center of Morelia.
The original fountain had three colorful statues made of concrete. They showed three kneeling women holding a basket full of fruits.
The Current Fountain
In 1965, the first sculpture was replaced by a different artwork. Then, in 1984, a new and similar sculpture was installed in the same spot. This time, it was made of bronze. The artist who sculpted it was José Luis Padilla Retana.
This newer fountain also shows three women holding a basket of regional fruits. Many people believe these women represent three Purépecha princesses. Their names are thought to be Atzimba, Eréndira, and Tzetzangari.
Why the Fountain is Important
After the 1984 installation, the fountain became a very important landmark. It is now one of the most famous places in Morelia.
- A Gift to Another Country: The government of Michoacán even gave a copy of the fountain to the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. This replica was made by José de los Santos Sánchez Martínez. It was installed there on December 17, 1998.
- A Book About the Fountain: In 2016, a book called Las Tarascas was published. It shares research by Elsa María Zertuche Zapata. The book tells the story of the modern fountain. It also talks about rumors and the political importance of the sculptures.
- A Place for Protests: Because of where it is located, the fountain is often a place for protests. Sometimes, it also gets damaged by vandalism.
