Morelos Square

The Renaissance of Uruapan 🦁📜

From the ashes to modernity: a tribute to the Servant of the Nation.

If the Plaza de los Mártires represents the 19th century, the Plaza Morelos is the symbol of modern Uruapan of the 20th century. Located adjacent to the main square, this open and monumental space has a history of resilience that was born from fire.

History: The Parián Fire 🚒

What you walk through today as a wide esplanade was, until 1951, the old market known as the “Parián Nuevo”. A devastating fire consumed that structure, but the tragedy became an urban opportunity.

• The Transformation: Driven by citizens and the Tepalcatepec Commission, the city decided not to rebuild the market, but to open the space to create a monumental plaza that would modernize the center.

• The Inauguration: On November 5, 1952, with the presence of President Miguel Alemán Valdés, this new civic heart was inaugurated.

The Monument and the Artist 🎨

The undisputed protagonist of the square is the bronze statue of José María Morelos y Pavón.

• The Sculptor: The work was made by the master Juan Olaguíbel, one of the most important sculptors in Mexico (famous for also creating the Diana Cazadora in CDMX and the Pípila in Guanajuato).

• Symbolism: Morelos is represented standing, holding in his left hand the “Sentiments of the Nation”. The location is no coincidence: Morelos lived in Uruapan and was protected by its inhabitants in times of war, so this monument is an eternal payment of gratitude from the city to the hero.

🌟 Our Recommendation

The connection between two squares.

As a tourist, you will notice that the Martyrs Square and Plaza Morelos are practically attached.

1. Perspective: Being a more open esplanade than that of the Mártires, Plaza Morelos is ideal for taking panoramic photos of the center without so many people crossing each other.
2. The Detail: Approach the base of the monument. The expressive force that Olaguíbel gave to his bronzes is notable; observe the determination on Morelos's face.
3. Meeting Point: It is a very large and clear space, perfect for meeting someone or letting the children run a little more freely than in the closed gardens.