Population: 700,000
Size: 22,020 square miles
Location: Yucatan Peninsula, eastern Mexico
Borders: states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Tabasco,
the Gulf of Mexico and Guatemala
Important cities/sites within the state: Campeche
(capital), Ruta Rio Bec, Becán and Edzná archeological
zones
Major airports: Alberto Acuna Ongay Intl. aka Campeche
Intl (CPE)
Time zone: Central Standard Time
Web site: www.campeche.gob.mx Campeche has a tropical climate with lush
forests surrounding the area, and features a diverse landscape and
unique architecture. The state offers everything from beautiful
rivers, stunning beaches and historic archaeological sites to colonial
buildings, 19th-century haciendas and splendid natural reserves.
The state of Campeche was formerly inhabited by
ancient Mayan cultures and has preserved its indigenous ancestry
in settlements such as Edzna and Calakmul.
The state of Campeche is a magical destination that
offers visitors the opportunity to explore breathtaking archaeological
sites and legendary Mayan settlements. Its residents gleam with
pride of their Mayan legacy and their “campechano” attitude
(synonymous with goodness and simplicity) – boasting one of
the friendliest atmospheres in Mexico.
The city of Campeche, the state’s capital
located on the east coast of the Gulf of Mexico, is considered a
historic jewel with one of the best-preserved historic centers in
Mexico and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Founded
in 1540 as San Lazaro, Campeche City was the first Spanish settlement
of the Yucatan Peninsula and once served as one of the most important
ports in America exporting forest products. In 1686, an enormous
wall was constructed to protect the city’s wealth against
pirate attacks. Much of the city is still surrounded by the remains
of walls and forts, giving it a truly distinctive appearance.
As Campeche borders the ocean, its cuisine features
a variety of fresh seafood. Local cuisine includes pan de cazón,
a tortilla dish of baby shark topped with fried beans, onion and
an herb called epazote. Another recommended delicacy is shrimp with
coconut, normally served with applesauce. It is also customary for
households to cook the same meal on a given day of the week. For
example, on Mondays, puchero (stew) is prepared; on Thursdays, bistec
de cazuela (beef casserole), and on Fridays, fresh fish. It is also
a custom for men to go to the market, with this tradition stemming
from the time of pirates, when women were often afraid to go out
on the streets.
Campeche is a place of music, dance and festivals,
and its annual celebration of Carnaval in February is one of the
oldest and most popular in Mexico. Campeche also goes all out for
Candlemas Day, also in February, and the Day of the Dead in November.
|
