Colima, Colima

Colima on the map of Colima

Colima is a city in western Mexico, near the Pacific Coast at the foot of the Nevado de Colima ( 4330 m) with 137 383 inhabitants ( 2005) volcano. It is the capital of the state of the same name. In Mexico, it is popularly known as La Ciudad de las Palmeras, ie as the City of Palms known. It is particularly popular as a starting point for day trips with tourists.

• 3.1 conurbation Colima / Villa de Álvarez

• 4.1 Established businesses
• 4.2 traffic 4.2.1 Highway
• 4.2.2 transport

• 4.3.1 Major daily newspapers

• 5.1 General Information
• 5.2 Attractions 5.2.1 Pinakothek " Alfonso Michel "
• 5.2.2 church el Beaterio
• 5.2.3 Andador Constitución
• 5.2.4 The Church of San Francisco, Almoloyan
• 5.2.5 Theatre Hidalgo
• 5.2.6 Presidential Palace
• 5.2.7 Cathedral of Colima
• 5.2.8 Templo de la Merced
• 5.2.9 Piedra Lisa
• 5.2.10 excavation
• 5.2.11 Other tourist attractions

• 6.1 Regular events
• 6.2 Shopping

Geography

Location

Colima is located in the same state at the foot of the Fuego de Colima volcano. The municipality is bordered to the north by Cuauhtemoc, to the south Ixtlahuacan, in the north- east by the state of Jalisco, to the east by the state of Michoacán, in the southeast on Tecomán, on the west by Coquimatlán and to the northwest by Villa de Álvarez.

Boroughs

The city of Colima has grown together with the town of Villa de Álvarez. The whole city area is marked by three avenues in the form of concentric rings. In the innermost ring is the center Colima. In the north- west of it, between the first and second ring, is the center of Villa de Álvarez. The municipality of Colima itself consists of 126 districts in 105 urban areas.

Climate

The average annual temperature is 25 ° C, and annual precipitation values ​​vary on average from 63.7 to 94.9 millimeters. Especially the period from July to September rainy.

History

The story begins with the colonization of Colima, Colima, although the name of the Nahuatl word " Colliman " is derived, which means " place of our ancestors " or "place of the fire of God " means. On July 25, 1523 Villa de Colima was founded at the location of Caxitlán by Gonzalo de Sandoval on behalf of Hernán Cortés ' and thus became the second city administration in New Spain. Thus the colonial era in the region. Only four years later, the city on 20 January 1527 relocated to its present location since the original site was unsuitable.

From 1551 to 1554 attended Lorenzo Lebrón de Quiñones around 200 places in the province to get the variety of colonial injustices against the indigenous population under control. He moved, therefore, among other things in Colima around 200 indigenous families from Chiapa and other places on, who founded the community Almoloyan in this way.

1572 is one of the earliest references to the Feria de Colima, a carnival, which takes place every year on All Saints today and is among the largest and most beautiful in Mexico.

In particular, the development of the churches in Colima dates back to important stimuli of a Mexican folk hero Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the famous author of the " Grito de Dolores ", which is still proclaimed throughout Mexico on the national holiday. Miguel Hidalgo spent several months in 1792 Colima to improve the community being clearly and earned, not least by the recognition of the clergy ' this time. This is also the reason why Colima was one of the first cities where insurgents arrived in 1810 to carry the spirit of the new Mexico in the people. The theater Hidalgo, which was erected in 1871 on the site of the former residence of Miguel Hidalgo, bears the name of that famous inhabitant Colimas today.

Colima was until 1821 part of the administration of Guadalajara, and in 1824 finally independently recognized by the Constitution of Jalisco. That same year, Colima became a city. But only the constitution of 1857 recognizes Colima as the capital of an independent state within the United States of Mexico. The first president was General Manuel Alvarez Colima. Since then, Colima is growing steadily and is still one of the wealthiest states in Mexico. With the development of modern transport routes such as railways (1889 ) and Airport (1912 ) and the opening of the University (1940 ) were set further economic growth. Nevertheless, Colima has received an original way of life, which is reflected in the customs and traditions. Colima is a modern city with tradition. However, it is in one of the earthquake-prone regions of the earth. Thus trembled on 22 January 2003 the earth in the region of Colima. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale, destroyed 2,000 homes and damaged about 6,600. 29 people fell victim to the quake and 10,000 were left homeless. It was the worst earthquake after the great earthquake in Mexico City in 1985.

Policy

Colima is the capital of the state of the same name. In the 2006 elections the PRI won with Mario Anguiano as mayor candidates and thus replaced in October 2006, its predecessor Leoncio Morán Sánchez Alfonso ( PAN) in the Town Hall from.

Conurbation Colima / Villa de Álvarez

Colima and Villa de Álvarez de facto form a joint city, but the city has two different political administrations. In the past and present had these two cities different parties in government, which has led to a an insufficient cooperation on common problems (eg crime), and has on the other, thus generating a competitive situation between the two cities.

Economy and infrastructure

The economy Colimas extends primarily on the processing of agricultural products. In addition, can be found in Colima by the role as the state capital, the headquarters of major regional companies and branches of national companies.

Established businesses

• ABSA Colima: Development of industrial equipment and automation
• Dina camiones de Colima S. A. de C.V.: nationwide travel company
• Coca Cola Soda
• Inmuebles Colima: Real Estate Commercial
• Sercom de Colima S. A. de C.V.: Computer hardware and software solutions

Traffic

Long-distance traffic

The Colima Airport (international airport code: CLQ ) offers travelers several times a day to connect to Mexico city. Another important link for the movement of goods, the railway line and the highway between Manzanillo and Guadalajara apply. For travelers from the bus station are also daily national connections to destinations throughout Mexico are available.

Transport

Taxis are relatively cheap in Colima. During the day, the price should be, depending on the destination within the city limits $ 30, do not exceed $ 40 at night. Another very inexpensive method of getting around is the comprehensive bus system in Colima. There is no fixed regulated bus timetables or stops ( with the exception of the great avenues and in the center ), you go to the corners or to. All bus lines are all circular, that is, there is not the opposite direction the same line. The small bus station Central de los Rojos is near the center and offers trips to the surrounding countryside. He is also served by most urban lines. Rojos is therefore an important hub for the transfer within the city and for excursions into the surrounding area (up to Manzanillo ).

Media

Major daily newspapers

• El Noticiero
• Diario de Colima
• Ecos de la Costa
• Periodico El Sur
• Milenio Colima

Education

Above all, the public University of Colima has received national importance in recent years the city. In the city of Colima is the largest campus of the University of Colima. Here telematics, nursing, medicine, social work, psychology, education, market research, philology, fine arts, law and natural sciences are offered, as well as the integrated degree programs in Business Administration / Public Administration and Political Science / Social Sciences offered.

Tourism

General Information

Colima, the "City of Palms", is considered the " tip" among tourists. On the one hand, the city offers all public services, such as a sufficient number of hotels and hostels, many bars and restaurants, is on the other side but not overrun by tourists and has preserved a typical, original character. Colima is a good starting point for excursions and activities throughout the region. In addition, Colima is one of the safest cities in Mexico for tourists. The round-trip flight from Germany to Colima cost per person about 1,000 euros (2006 ), making it relatively inexpensive for the Mexican west coast. The peak season is between the months of November and February.

Attractions

Pinakothek " Alfonso Michel "

The architecture of the Pinakothek says a lot about Colima: Due to the frequent earthquakes collapsed building parts had to be rebuilt again and again. They should fit harmoniously into the still existing. Therefore, are equally interesting not only the changing exhibitions and the permanent exhibits such as paintings and sculptures of local and international artists, but also the architecture that combines the colonial style with modern elements. You can see there are the works of Rafael Coronel, Emilio Rosenblueth, Alfonso Michel and Leopoldo Morales Praxedis.

Church el Beaterio

In this church, actually " San Felipe de Jesús ," women met in the 17th century from Colima, the charitable objectives pursued under a religious vow, without, however, to be nuns. El Beaterio is a good example of the Baroque architecture of the 18th century with polygonal tower. The decoration inside is no longer in original condition, but has been replaced by the decoration of a homestead in Oaxaca.

Andador Constitución

The Andador Constitución is a passage in the center of Colima. Here you will find local artists, the so-called " Tlacuilos ", and various boutiques and shops. He is also a popular meeting place for local chess friends.

The Church of San Francisco, Almoloyan

1556 settled, with the permission of Lebrón de Quiñonez, in Colima around 200 indigenous families from Chiapa and other places to. Thus, the settlement of Almoloyan arose. Center of this settlement was the Franciscan monastery, which was founded by the friars Honorato and Jerónimo de la Cruz. The frequent earthquakes were the original building since 1818 gradually collapsed in on itself. What remains are merely an archway and two walls. On closer inspection, one sees that the stones must come from another building - the age and the indigenous expression point to a pre-Hispanic origin.

Theatre Hidalgo

Built in 1871 theaters Hidalgo (on the property where Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1792, the father of the independent living of Mexico ) offered up to 650 fans over six decades Place. The interior of the theater is worth seeing mainly because of the paintings of Frank Renoult.

Presidential Palace

Under General Doroteo Lopez Colimas the prison was demolished and in its place the presidential palace in the 19th century. The architect of the neoclassical building is Don Lucio Uribe, who also built the theater Hidalgo and the Cathedral of Colima. Particularly noteworthy is the Clock Tower, which was manufactured in 1841 in Germany, as well as the famous paintings by Jorge Chávez Carrillo with historical motifs inside the palace.

Cathedral of Colima

According to documented sources, there is a church since 1525 at this point. At first made ​​of wood, it was rebuilt in 1894 by Don Lucio Uribe in the neoclassical style. Inside there are several paintings and a sculpture of San Felipe de Jesús, the city's patron since 1668th On 12 October 1998, the Cathedral of Pope John Paul II to the Pontifical Basilica ( basilica minor) was declared. It is the first church in the whole of Latin America, dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe. For this reason, the celebrations on the feast day of the Virgin (12th December) in Colima are particularly ornate.

Templo de la Merced

Mid-19th century, the monastery fell Mercedario rapidly. Therefore, the competent priest José Ramon Arzac 1871 to build the church a few blocks newly decided. The church is one of the few buildings of stone and the legend says that the faithful have brought the stones individually from the nearby river bed. This is probably also the reason why the building was not finished after more than 60 years and, therefore, fell victim to an earthquake. Although it began directly with the reconstruction, destroyed another earthquake 10 years later parts of the building. From this point it was decided to continue the original building with conventional construction methods. Thus, here we find again the mixture of modernity and tradition, the symbolic of Colima.

Piedra Lisa

The Legend of the Piedra Lisa says that anyone who uses this stone as a slide, will remain in Colima. Around the stone is a large leisure facility.

Excavation

May 2013 is announced that an approximately 2000 year old tomb with 28 bones of children and adults plus grave goods was found in Colima.

Other tourist attractions

• Feria de Colima

Environment

Rancho de Villa

In the immediate vicinity of Colima is Rancho de Villa, a small suburb of Colima. Here is a popular pilgrimage church. Every Tuesday instead of the farmer's market with local specialties.

Comala

Comala, the " Pueblo Mágico " ( Magical Village ) appointed, and is known for its coffee and the art of baking.

Ecotourism

The volcano can be seen from afar. Local guides offer tours to explore the volcano. In the National Park it is possible to spend the night in tents. Around the volcano are several small, partly thermal lakes.

In the " Reserva de Ejidal Terrero " to more than 300 species of tropical birds can be observed.

In Armería The Ecological center for turtles was founded in 1993.

The " Campo Cuantro " at Cero Grande is a archaeological site of marine fossils.

In Ixtlahuacan the stalactite cave " Gruta San Gabriel " exists

Sport and activity

The " Nevado de Colima " offers different opportunities for mountaineering, trekking, mountain biking and downhill, climbing and hiking. The special thermal allowed paragliding. Even Mexico's best paragliders Santiago Baeza trained here.

Culture

Regular events

• February 2: Festival in honor of the Virgen de la Salud
• February 5: festivities in honor of San Felipe de Jesús
• MARCH 19: celebrations for San Jose
• MAY 24: festivities in honor of the Virgin María Auxiliadora
• JULY 4: Feast for the Señora del Refugio
• September 24: Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Merced
• SEPTEMBER 29: ( in Tepames ) hard for San Miguel
• 4 October: Día de la Empanada
• NOVEMBER 1: Feria de Colima
• 3 to 12 December: Feast in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe
• December 29 to January 6: the festivities in Rancho de Villa

Shopping

For purchases on the one hand, the center offers numerous opportunities, on the other hand Plaza San Fernando north of the center at the innermost ring, or the shop are miles north of the center around the Plaza Country on the second ring popular destinations.