Traveling to Parral in Chihuahua Mexico? Want information on the history, economy, people and tourist attractions of Parral? Our guide gives you the facts & information you want to know.
Parral is one of the districts composing Chihuahua, which is one of the more prominent Mexican states. It is located at the south of the state, approximately 222 km. away from Chihuahua City, the capital of Chihuahua. To its north is Zaragoza, to its south are San Francisco del Oro and Santo Bárbaro, to its east is Allende and to its west is Huejotitán. Parral also lies 5,449 feet above sea level and on the Parral River. The present official name of the city is Hidalgo del Parral in honor of the well-loved patriot Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, who is regarded as the “Father of the Country”. The place was originally founded as San José del Parral in 1631 and the current official name was carried by the municipality only after independence. It became the capital of the Spanish colony Nueva Vizcaya from 1640-1731.
Parral Chihuahua Silver Mining
Parral used to be an important mining town of Mexico back in the 16th century. In fact, many settlers from Spain and workers began to flock to Parral to exploit its mineral resources, among which are zinc, copper, gold and others. But of the many minerals deposited, Parral became most well known for its silver. After deposits of silver were discovered in the area in 1629, Parral turned into a mining favorite for Mexican silver and it lasted for over 3 centuries and 40 years. In the 1930s, when the silver deposits were depleted, Parral was almost left like a ghost-town until it was able to regain prosperity in the later part of the 19th century.
Parral Population
One of the most notable events that happened in Parral is the July 20, 1923 assassination of Francisco “Pancho” Villa, a leader of the Mexican revolutionary movement. According to a census conducted in 2005, Parral’s city already has a population of 101, 147 while its municipality’s population is around 103, 519.
Parral Chihuahua Attractions
One of the best tourist attractions in Parral, Chihuahua is the annual horse race called Cabalgata Jornada Villista. Another tourist spot is the Palacio Alvado, which used to be a home to the most prominent silver mining family, who once owned “La Palmilla”. Today, the Palacio has already been converted into a museum and its intricate European design has been well-preserved over the years. The other favorite destination for tourists are the Hotel Hidalgo, Hidalgo Theater, the museum of Pancho Villa, the San Jose Parish church and the Stall Forth house. Parral is also popular for its delicious food. In fact, it has been named by the government of Mexico as one of the country’s “Ten Marvels of Gastronomy”. Other than common Mexican dishes, many tourists visit the place for its famous beef recipes and the sweet dulce de leche candy.
