Villa Juárez, San Luis Potosí

Villa Juárez is a city located in the central part of the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí. It was founded in 1643 as Santa Gertrudis de Carbonera. In 1928 the name was changed to Villa Juárez to honor Benito Juárez, one of México's most admired presidents.

Location

Its geographic location is coord|22|19|18|N|100|15|55|W| and its altitude is 10 meters above sea level. The municipality extends throughout 18 small villages including El Granjenal, Palo Seco, and Puerta del Río. Villa Juarez is surrounded by Cerritos to the north, Rio Verde to the east and south, and with San Nicolás Tolentino to the west.

History

It was founded in 1643 as Santa Gertrudis de Carbonera and in 1928, the name was changed to Villa Juárez due to the expansion of population.

Economy

Agriculture made up most of Villa Juárez's economy. Hot peppers (mainly serrano) and corn were the major elements of this economy. Lack of capital to invest in farming has recently declined production.

Culture

Villa Juárez, like many other Mexican towns and cities, hosts a traveling carnival in honor of its patron saint, Santa Gertrudis. It begins about two weeks before the main day which is November 16th. This carnival is made up of dozens of booths that sell artifacts, ceramics and artifacts, regional delicacies, food, drinks, games, literature, and small widgets among other things. Rides are also a main attraction of the carnival. A stage is also assembled for shows, regional and national folklore dances, musicians, speeches, and plays. Many tourists come from all parts of the state of San Luis Potosí and from the United States (mainly Texas, Illinois, and Georgia) for this traditional event.

Within this municipality there still live indigenous groups of people. This municipality has been a victim of mass migration to the U.S. Most of the remaining habitants are small children, middle-age females, and senior citizens. Several internationally known musical bands have come from this municipality: Grupo Bryndis, Agua Azul, and Vagón Chicano.

People that have migrated to the United States of America from Villa Juárez are so proud of their town, that they have founded various organizations and clubs throughout the States to send help to their town. Some of these clubs include: Fundación Villa Juárez de Houston, Texas; Club Social Villa Juárez en Dallas, Texas; Club Social Villa Juárez en Illinois; and Club Social Villa Juárez en Nebraska. There are comments that clubs will form in Gonzáles, Texas and in Atlanta, Georgia. These clubs have made many contributions to Villa Juárez. For example, Fundación Villa Juárez de Houston, Texas took the initiative to construct the Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal).

Municipal Presidents

*Víctor García Almazán
*Juan Izaguirre Ostiguin (2004-2006)
*Everardo Izaguirre Gloria (2007-2009)

External links

* [http://www.villajuarez.com.mx Villa Juárez, SLP]
* [http://cnnstudentnews.cnn.com/2001/fyi/news/09/24/hispanic.hometown/index.html CNN News]

Bibliography

*Roque, Alexandro (2004) "Villa Juárez La bella villa"