San Sebastián del Oeste facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Sebastián del Oeste
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Municipality and town
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San Sebastián del Oeste is nestled in a narrow mountain valley
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| Nickname(s):
El Real
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Location of the municipality in Jalisco
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 San Sebastián del Oeste
Location in Mexico
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| Country |  Mexico |
| State | Jalisco |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1,117 km2 (431 sq mi) |
| • Town | 0.8 km2 (0.3 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,480 m (4,856 ft) |
| Population
(2020 census)
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| • Total | 5,086 |
| • Density | 4.5533/km2 (11.793/sq mi) |
| • Town | 632 |
| • Town density | 790/km2 (2,050/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central Standard Time) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (Central Daylight Time) |
San Sebastián del Oeste is a charming town and a larger area called a municipality in the western part of Jalisco state, Mexico. It is located high up in the mountains, about 1,480 meters (4,856 feet) above sea level. The town's name is pronounced san seβasˈtjan del oˈeste.
Contents
Exploring San Sebastián del Oeste's Location
The municipality of San Sebastián del Oeste shares its borders with several other places. To the north, it touches the state of Nayarit. To the south, it borders the municipality of Mascota. On its eastern side, you'll find Guachinango and Mascota. To the west, it is next to Puerto Vallarta, a popular coastal city.
Getting to San Sebastián del Oeste
Both the town and the wider municipality have a small airfield. This makes it easier for people to visit this beautiful mountain area.
A Glimpse into San Sebastián del Oeste's Past
San Sebastián del Oeste started as a mining town way back in 1605. This was during the early days when Spain ruled Mexico, a time known as the Viceroyalty of New Spain. People came here to dig for valuable metals like gold, silver, and lead.
Mining Boom and Town Growth
By 1785, the area was booming! There were more than 25 mines and many places called foundries. Foundries are factories where metals are melted and shaped. The town officially became a city in 1812.
Understanding San Sebastián del Oeste's Population Changes
At the beginning of the 21st century, the town of San Sebastián had fewer than 1,000 people living there.
Population Peak and Decline
The town's population was much larger in the past. Around 1900, about 20,000 people lived here. However, after the Mexican Revolution of 1910, the town's good times slowed down, and its population decreased.
Discovering San Sebastián del Oeste's Special Features
San Sebastián del Oeste is recognized as a Pueblo Mágico, which means "Magical Town." This is a special title given by the Mexican government to towns that keep their historical charm. These towns are promoted as great places for tourists to visit. Many visitors from nearby Puerto Vallarta also come to explore San Sebastián. Recent road improvements mean it now takes less than 2 hours to drive from Puerto Vallarta.
Architectural Wonders and Historic Buildings
- The Church of Saint Sebastian: This church was first built in 1608. It was designed in the Colonial Spanish Baroque style, which is known for its fancy and detailed decorations. You can see beautiful Corinthian columns and amazing ceiling paintings called frescos.
- Old Buildings: Many buildings in the town and municipality were constructed centuries ago using cut stone and adobe (a type of brick made from earth). These buildings still look much like they did back then. Some old haciendas (large estates or ranches) in the area have been bought and fixed up in recent years.
Celebrating with Fiestas
The town is famous for its lively fiestas, which are celebrations for religious holidays:
- January 20: A fiesta is held to honor Saint Sebastian, the town's patron saint.
- August 15: This fiesta is dedicated to the Virgin of the Asunción.
- October 7: Another fiesta celebrates the Virgin of the Rosary.
- December 12: The Virgin of Guadalupe is honored in the small town of Los Reyes, which is close to San Sebastián del Oeste. This special day is celebrated all over Mexico.
Images for kids
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A school building and its yard.
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A coffee shop in the center of town.
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The beautiful Baroque bell tower of the Church of San Sebastián.
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The detailed Baroque interior of the Church of San Sebastián.
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The remains of a factory where gold and silver were processed from the local mines.
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Hacienda Jalisco, a historic estate in the municipality.
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At Hacienda Jalisco, you can see an old grinding stone and hornos (ovens).
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The El Progreso Bridge, seen from the south.
See also
In Spanish: Municipio de San Sebastián del Oeste para niños
