Queréndaro facts for kids
Queréndaro is a town and a municipality in the Mexican state of Michoacán. The name Queréndaro comes from the Chichimeca language. It means "place of rocks." This name comes from a large rock in the area called "La Peña Rajada," which means "The Cracked Rock." This rock has a cave with ancient paintings from a long time ago.
Queréndaro is known for farming, fishing, raising animals, and making bread. Farmers here grow corn, wheat, sorghum, different kinds of chili pepper, beans, barley, alfalfa, and chickpeas. The town is famous for its "Feria del Chile" (Chili Pepper Fair). This is the main celebration in Queréndaro, marking the town's founding.
Queréndaro includes several smaller towns and communities. The two largest are Pueblo Viejo and Rio de Parras. Other communities like El Castillo and Milpillas have populations from 250 to 1,000 people. Smaller towns have fewer residents. Most people in these communities work in farming, fishing, or raising animals like cows, pigs, horses, and sheep.
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Exploring Queréndaro's Past
Queréndaro was first settled during the time of the Tarascan state, a powerful ancient kingdom. Later, during the Spanish colonial period, Jesuits (a group of priests) lived here. They used the land to support their work in the region. The area was great for farming. It also served as a resting spot for travelers on the road between Morelia and Mexico City. A nearby area called Otzumatlán became part of Zinapécuaro in 1831. It became its own municipality in 1921 and is now known as Queréndaro.
Where is Queréndaro Located?
Queréndaro is in the northern part of Michoacán. It sits at an elevation of about 1,840 meters (6,037 feet) above sea level. The municipality shares borders with Zinapécuaro to the east and Ciudad Hidalgo to the south. To the west, it borders Indaparapeo and Alvaro Obregón. The state capital, Morelia, is only about 35 kilometers (22 miles) away.
How Big is Queréndaro?
Queréndaro covers an area of 234.43 square kilometers (about 90.5 square miles). This means it makes up about 0.39 percent of the total land area of Michoacán state.
What is Queréndaro's Weather Like?
Queréndaro has a mild climate. Summers are rainy, which helps the crops grow. The area gets about 1,165 millimeters (46 inches) of rain each year. Temperatures usually range from 4.9°C (40.8°F) to 37.0°C (98.6°F).
Plants and Animals: Life in Queréndaro
Queréndaro's plant life includes mixed forests with pine and aile trees. There are also forests with conifers like oyamel and more pine trees. Prairies are home to nopal cactus, tall grasses, and various shrubs.
The animal life in Queréndaro is diverse. You might see armadillos, coyotes, hares, raccoons, opossums, and skunks. Birds like mountain hens, mourning doves, and ducks are common. The lakes, mountains, rivers, and ponds are home to white fish, frogs, and other small fish and bird species.
Fun and Sports in Queréndaro
Queréndaro has a spa called El Pedregal. It is named for the many stones in the area. For sports lovers, there are two soccer fields and five basketball courts. The municipality also has a sports complex with a track for athletics.
Queréndaro's Culture and Celebrations
Queréndaro has many lively traditions and celebrations throughout the year.
Festivities and Celebrations
- March/April – Holy Week is celebrated with plays showing the Passion of Christ.
- April 10 – A special day to honor Jesus, Lord of Love.
- May 15 – A celebration for St. Isidore the Farmer, who is important for agriculture.
- August – The famous Feast of the Chili Pepper takes place during the second week.
- August 15 – A celebration for the Virgin of the Assumption, who is the town's patron saint. This day includes music and fireworks.
- September 15 and 16 – National holidays are celebrated with pride.
- November 2 – Day of the Dead is observed to remember loved ones.
- December 12 – A big celebration for the Virgin of Guadalupe. This day features dances, music, popular gatherings, and fireworks.
