Dolores Hidalgo – Cradle of Mexican Independence – its official name, is located in the north of Guanajuato State. It owes its name to the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Dolores, which settled on the grounds of an ancient Otomi population called Cocomacån, the “place where Herons are hunted”. At the end of the XVIII Century, the congregation received the title of town and, during the second half of the XIX Century, was declared a city adding to its name that of Hidalgo, in honor of Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, who on the eve of September 16 in 1810, high on the atrium of the Parish of Our Lady of Dolores, stirred the crowd gathered there to take arms and fight for Mexico’s Independence.

It is located 1800 meters above sea level and its climate is semi-arid, warm during the day but cooler during the evenings, with an average yearly temperature of 17° C, and a maximum of 36° C in the summer and a minimum of 3° C in the winter. The region’s rainy season is between May and September.

The famous pottery of Dolores Hidalgo originates with earthenware covered by a thick, white and brilliant enamel, brought to Mexico by the Spanish in the XVI Century, which is known by the name of Majolica ware.

The local cuisine reserves great surprises and traditional flavors: exquisite moles and stuffed chilies can be enjoyed, as are the famous ice creams made with pulque, shrimp, tequila and avocado, among other surprising flavors.

During the month of September the city dresses-up to celebrate one of the most significant days in the Mexican calendar: the Cry of Independence. From the 6th to the 16th of September different activities are held such as craft exhibitions, fireworks and cultural and sporting events.