Morelia's Main Square

🌳 The Heart where Morelia Breathes ☕

Si ya cruzaste la calle desde la Cathedral (or did you come out after seeing the murals of Government Palace)You will find yourself in the public space most beloved by the people of Morelia: the Main Square.

For us, coming from the tranquility of Pátzcuaro, this place is enchanting. It's the perfect spot to sit on a bench, enjoy a refreshing ice cream, and watch the city life go by in the shade of its trees. But beware, this garden holds very old secrets! 🤫

🧩 The Puzzle of the “Plaza Mayor” Have you noticed that downtown Morelia seems to have many plazas close together? Originally, in the 16th century, all of this was a single, gigantic esplanade called the “Plaza Mayor”. It encompassed what are today:

• The Plaza de Armas (where you are standing).

• Benito Juárez Square.

• Melchor Ocampo Square.

• And the grounds of the Cathedral!

It was the construction of the Cathedral (begun in 1660) that divided this large space into the fragments we know today. In fact, during the nearly 100 years that the construction took, this square served as a workshop and quarry.

⚔️ Why is it called "Martyrs' Square"? Although peace reigns today, this place has a turbulent past. From the 17th century onwards, it was the site of public executions, earning it the name of “Martyrs’ Square”. Several heroes of the Independence gave their lives here, such as Colonel José Guadalupe Salto and the parish priest Miguel Gómez (between 1812 and 1813).

But the most important figure who lost his life at this site was Morelos' right-hand man: Mariano Matamoros. If you look to the sides, you will see that the adjacent portal and theater are named in his honor.

✨ The Kiosk and Modern Life The elegant design you see today is a legacy of the 19th century. Its central kiosk, built around 1887 and restored in 2016, it is the undisputed star.

Surrounded by the Michelena, Matamoros and Hidalgo arcades, and bordered by the famous Madero Avenue, the plaza transforms according to the time of year:

• 💀 Night of the Dead: The plaza is adorned with flower carpets and monumental altars. It's an incredible visual spectacle that, with a more urban style, It pays homage to the deep tradition that originates in our Lake District.

• 🎄 Christmas: This is where the giant nativity scene and festive lights are placed.

• 🎉 National Holidays: It is the center of music and celebration.

📍 Why visit it? Because it's Morelia's "living room." Here you'll see students, shoeshine boys, tourists, and office workers all mingling. It's the perfect spot to recharge before continuing your journey and returning to Pátzcuaro to rest.