Parras facts for kids
Parras de la Fuente (pronounced PAR-ras deh lah FWEN-teh) is a city in the southern part of the Mexican state of Coahuila. It's the main city in the Parras Municipality, which covers a large area of about 9,271 square kilometers (3,579 square miles).
In 2020, about 44,472 people lived in Parras. The city is known for its many factories that make denim fabric. Parras is also famous for its wine. It was actually the very first place in the Americas to grow grapes for wine!
Quick facts for kids
Parras, Coahuila
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| Parras de la Fuente | |
 Parras, Coahuila
Location in Coahuila
Parras, Coahuila
Location in Mexico
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| Country |  Mexico |
| State |  Coahuila |
| Municipality | Parras |
| Founded | February 18, 1598 |
| Founded as | Villa de Santa María de las Parras |
| Founded by | Antón Martín Zapata Juan Agustín de Espinosa |
| Elevation | 1,500 m (4,900 ft) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 44,472 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central Standard Time) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (Central Daylight Time) |
Contents
A Look at Parras's Past
Parras de la Fuente was founded on February 18, 1598. It was started by Capitán Antón Martín de Zapata at a place called Hacienda del Rosario. The city was first known as Villa de Santa María de las Parras.
A very important person in Mexican history, Francisco I. Madero, was born here in 1873. He later became the President of Mexico and was a key leader in the Mexican Revolution.
Parras has also seen some historical battles. In 1846, during the Mexican–American War, American soldiers held the city. Later, in 1866, during the French intervention in Mexico, French forces were defeated here.
The Oldest Winery in the Americas
Parras de la Fuente is home to the oldest winery in all of the Americas. It was started by Lorenzo García on August 19, 1597. This historic winery is called Casa Madero.
What Makes Parras Special?
Parras de la Fuente is known as a Pueblo Mágico, which means "Magical Town." It received this special title in 2004. People often call Parras the "oasis" of the dry, semi-desert area of Coahuila state. It has cool bathing resorts, which used to help create electricity for local businesses.
Historic Buildings to See
There are several interesting old buildings in Parras:
- The building where the Municipality President works is a popular attraction. It looks just like the State's Government Palace in Saltillo.
- The Hostal el Farol is a historic guesthouse. It used to be the home of General Raúl Madero.
- The San Ignacio de Loyola church was built a long time ago, in the 1600s.
- The Santo Madero church sits on top of an old, extinct volcano plug just north of the town.
Learning and Connections
Parras de la Fuente also has connections to learning. For example, Humboldt State University in California offers a "Parras Summer Program." This program teaches about the Spanish language, Mexican culture, and useful technology.
Important People from Parras
- Senator Francisco José Madero González was an important politician. He served as the interim Governor of Coahuila for a few months in 1981.
Friendship with Other Cities
Parras de la Fuente has a "sister city" relationship with Grapevine, Texas in the United States. This means they share cultural and economic ties.
Images for kids
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The church of Santa María de las Parras which is the oldest religious building in Mexico (1598).
See also
In Spanish: Parras de la Fuente para niños
