The Dance of the Old Men !

Patzcuaro (“Pahtz-Kuah-Ro”) is a charming town with a mixed colonial and indigenous feel, located just 45 minutes from Morelia, the State Capital of Michoacan.

Patzcuaro is only a half day drive from the Lake Chapala Ajjic area and it makes a very interesting discovery trip for a day or more.

During the last decade, an increasing number of foreign visitors have become enchanted with the town’s charm and ambiance and are returning there to discover even more.

The central area of Patzcuaro and its immediate surroundings are the most attractive with colonial buildings, mansions and courtyards built around the elegant Plaza.

The most popular tourist site is the Casa de los Once Patios (House of eleven courtyards) just a couple of blocks southeast of the main square.

It was originally a convent, although today it’s the location of quality art and craft outlets, some of which have workshops where you can see the artists at work.

About two miles north Patzcuara is Lake Patzcuaro  with it’s island called “Isla Janitzio.”

The island itself is a tourist destination where you can browse markets and buy directly from local artisans.

Food stalls abound and some  sell Charales, the small fish caught in the lake and deep fried and eaten whole as a snack food just like at Lake Chapala.

Now to give you as glimpse of the indigenous flavor of the area here’s a video filmed on the plaza in Ajijic of a dance from the Isle de Janitzlo called the “Dance of the Old Men”