Every town has a favorite gathering place, a place where locals flock to see and be seen. In Zacatecas, Mexico, that place is the Cathedral-Basilica and its adjacent Plazuela Goitia, located in the centro histrico (historic center), across the street from Teatro Calderon (Calderon Theater).

Teatro Calderon provides a perfect backdrop for Plazuela Goitia, the most popular gathering place in Zacatecas, Mexico

The Cathedral is an exuberant Baroque monument, whose construction was begun in 1731 and completed in 1752. Initially just a church, it was elevated to the status of Cathedral in 1862 and elevated once again to a Cathedral-Basilica in 1959. At the moment, the interior is complete obscured due to reconstruction, but the exterior is a wonderland of carving and ornament that is best examined at night when the facade is brightly illuminated.

Zacatecas Cathedral is just steps away from Plazuela Goitia; between them they form the heart of the city

Completed in 1897, Teatro Calderon is one of the architectural jewels of Zacatecas. Named for the illustrious playwright Fernando Calderon, the interior of the theatre features luxurious tapestries, lamps, and mirrors of the finest Venetian crystal. This historic building is also currently undergoing renovation in preparation for Mexico’s Bicentellian Celebration in September of 2010.

Tying the Cathedral and Theater together is Plazuela Goitia, a wide open space that descends the hill between two major streets in the center of town. While the plaza is busy during daylight hours, it really comes to life after dark. Restaurants flanking the plaza throw wide their doors, vendors appear to hawk ice cream and balloons, and men belt out ballads to the women they love. Players in period costume add to the din as they roam though the crowds with hand-held loudspeakers, inviting visitors to join them for a “legends” walking tour of the city center. It seems that, like New York, Zacatecas never sleeps, at least not in the environs surrounding Plazuela Goitia.

Photo Credit: Barbara Weibel

Article by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels