If I told you Zacatecas has a museum of masks, would you go?
It was enough to get us to go to Zacatecas. The 3,000 indigenous masks on display at Museo Rafael Coronel in Zacatecas are from all over Mexico and represent significant cultural history. The collection is colorful and outstanding, but most interesting perhaps is the incredible variety of rituals masks. Ranging from the bizarre to the cheerful, this museum really started our own mask collection. From that point on, we purchased any and all indigenous masks we found interesting as we crossed the globe. Today we have a strange collection of three dozen masks representing dozens of countries, ethnic groups and civilizations.
Our collection is housed in our little home, but the incredible display in Zacatecas is housed in the restored section of a 16th century convent, convento de San Francisco. For the $2 entrance fee not only do you get to see the masks, but you also get to walk around the grounds, which are absolutely delightful. Bring a picnic basket, the museum had the softest, greenest grass I’ve ever seen outside of a golf course!
To see more of our favorite photos from around the world check out our travel photo page. Let us know your favorites and we’ll include them in our photo of the day series.
IF YOU GO: Zacatecas is a bit off the tourist path, but it’s well worth it. We had a wonderful time (except for the gas delivery man), and the town has a great mix of culture, history and modern conveniences. The cathedral is architecturally interesting and there are museums, a silver mine and hiking to keep you busy. Local nightlife is good, but you shouldn’t forget that it’s at 2500m so the altitude may affect your energy level. It’s worth the flight or long bus ride from the capital, if only to spend some time relaxing and soaking in modern Mexican culture. The museum entrance fee was $2 when we went and there are local gift shops in the area that will sell replicas.
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