Revitalization Lights Up Old Mazatlan

City Completes Phase I

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. October 14, 2008

MAZATL'AN, Mexico, August 8, 2005. The Angela Peralta Theater is one lady who doesn't mind revealing her age -- 130 and looking as grand as ever. Once this theater, in the heart of Mazatl'an's Historical Center, suffered from neglect. But this summer, the city and its residents completed their refurbishment of the landmark building. Now, fresh paint and bright lights adorn her elegant facade.

The beautifully restored Angela Peralta is part of a major effort -- the revitalization of Old Mazatl'an undertaken to reclaim the grandeur,vitality and unique style of Mazatl'an's historic core. The revitalization program, which began in 2002, is a joint effort by the City of Mazatl'an and its residents. This summer marks the completion of Phase I, focusing on the restoration, landscaping and dramatic lighting effects on major colonial sites.

"Mazatl'an is one destination on Mexico's Pacific Coast with a rich cultural heritage," says Carlos Berdegu'e, vice president of the Mazatl'an Hotel Association and tourism board. "Visitors enjoy golden sand beaches as wellas a vibrant arts and culture scene in Old Mazatl'an."

Known as El Centro Hist'orico, Old Mazatl'an is a 180-block area with 479 buildings designated as national historic landmarks. The charming colonial district is characterized by cobblestone streets, fanciful balconies, iron railings, colorful 19th-century buildings, parks, lush foliage and a band shell that hosts free concerts. At one time, El Centro was Mazatl'an's commercial center. Today, the city and its residents are resurrecting the area as a cultural and entertainment hub. Now on El Centro's lively streets, residents and visitors gather to enjoy shops, museums, art galleries, al fresco dining, contemporary dance, jazz clubs, concerts and unique examples of neoclassical architecture.

Spotlights History

This summer, Mazatl'an celebrated the completion of El Centro's dramaticoutdoor lighting system in a ceremony with free concert by the Sinaloa Symphonic Orchester. Gov. Jes'us Alberto Aguilar Padilla flipped on theswitch as residents and visitors watched historic sites come alive in theglow of carefully positioned theatrical lights.

Now in the spotlight is the Angela Peralta Theater, named after the famous 19th- century opera star, and the stately buildings surrounding the Plazuela Machado, the lively plaza at the heart of the historic core. The artistic lights add magical allure to the Monument to Life, Mazatl'an's largest monument, located near some of El Centro's premier restaurants. Also illuminated is the Catedral Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion. Finished in 1890, the cathedral is unique, with tall spires and baroque interior. Its stained-glass windows display a Star of David in memory of a Jewish family that donated significant funds to its completion. The cathedral is the world's only Roman Catholic Church with the Star displayed in each of its 28 stained glass windows.

Also this summer, the Historical Center of Mazatl'an offered a Day of Music to celebrate the opening of its refurbished area. Other recently completed work includes: a new parking area, new urban signage system, painting of historical facades and landscaping and replacement of benches in Plazuela Machado. Remodeled too is Olas Altas Boulevard, running along Olas Altas (Spanish for "big waves") Beach.

As Mazatl'an's arts and culture hub, El Centro is home to Delfos Contemporanean, housed in the Angela Peralta Theater. The award-winning contemporary dance company enjoys acclaim throughout the Americas, Canada and Europe. Its Mazatl'an Professional School of Contemporary Dance draws students from all over Mexico. Other El Centro cultural attractions are the Mazatl'an Arts Museum and the Historic Center, offering walking tours of the colonial neighborhood.