Population:
700,000
Size: 22,020 square miles
Location: Yucatan Peninsula, eastern Mexico
Borders: states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo and
Tabasco, the Gulf of Mexico and Guatemala
Important cities/sites within the state:
Campeche (capital), Ruta Rio Bec, Becán and Edzná
archeological zones
Major airports: Alberto Acuna Ongay Intl. aka
Campeche Intl (CPE)
Time zone: Central Standard Time
Web site: www.campeche.gob.mx
Campeche has a tropical climate with lush forests
surrounding the area, and features a diverse
landscape and unique architecture. The state offers
everything from beautiful rivers, stunning beaches
and historic archaeological sites to colonial
buildings, 19th-century haciendas and splendid
natural reserves.
The state of Campeche was formerly inhabited by
ancient Mayan cultures and has preserved its
indigenous ancestry in settlements such as Edzna and
Calakmul.
The state of Campeche is a magical destination that
offers visitors the opportunity to explore
breathtaking archaeological sites and legendary
Mayan settlements. Its residents gleam with pride of
their Mayan legacy and their “campechano” attitude
(synonymous with goodness and simplicity) – boasting
one of the friendliest atmospheres in Mexico.
The city of Campeche, the state’s capital located on
the east coast of the Gulf of Mexico, is considered
a historic jewel with one of the best-preserved
historic centers in Mexico and was declared a UNESCO
World Heritage site in 1999. Founded in 1540 as San
Lazaro, Campeche City was the first Spanish
settlement of the Yucatan Peninsula and once served
as one of the most important ports in America
exporting forest products. In 1686, an enormous wall
was constructed to protect the city’s wealth against
pirate attacks. Much of the city is still surrounded
by the remains of walls and forts, giving it a truly
distinctive appearance.
As Campeche borders the ocean, its cuisine features
a variety of fresh seafood. Local cuisine includes
pan de cazón, a tortilla dish of baby shark
topped with fried beans, onion and an herb called
epazote. Another recommended delicacy is shrimp
with coconut, normally served with applesauce. It is
also customary for households to cook the same meal
on a given day of the week. For example, on Mondays,
puchero (stew) is prepared; on Thursdays,
bistec de cazuela (beef casserole), and on
Fridays, fresh fish. It is also a custom for men to
go to the market, with this tradition stemming from
the time of pirates, when women were often afraid to
go out on the streets.
Campeche is a place of music, dance and festivals,
and its annual celebration of Carnaval in February
is one of the oldest and most popular in Mexico.
Campeche also goes all out for Candlemas Day, also
in February, and the Day of the Dead in November. |
