One of the many reasons for my ongoing love affair with Mexico is the wonderful diversity of this vast and beautiful country. I am continually amazed that one can be swimming and snorkeling in beautiful blue ocean waters and a few hours later exploring a lovely colonial city in the highlands of the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. It almost seems as though you have been transported to a completely different world and time and I call this simply magical!
One of our favorite destinations when it is time for an escape and change of pace from our lives in Puerto Vallarta is the lovely town of San Sebastián del Oeste in Mexico. San Sebastian may only be a few hours away, but in ambiance, climate, charm, and history it could not be more different.
The drive up to San Sebastian is incredibly scenic with the road wandering up to San Sebastian through countryside rich in pine forests, lakes, rivers, and streams which are set off by canyons, cliffs, and the wonderful Sierra Madre mountain range of Mexico. The drive up to San Sebastian definitely sets you up for something very magical.
San Sebastian del Oeste was founded as a mining community by the Spanish Conquistadors over 400 years ago. It was one the main mining centers in New Spain (now known as Mexico) during the Colonial period. Ten haciendas and nearly thirty mines had been established there by 1785.
The small town of San Sebastian became a city in 1812 and reached its full maturity around 1830. At its peak in the early 20th century more than twenty five mines and a number of foundries were operating and the town’s population swelled to approximately 20,000 with miners in search of lead, zinc, silver, and gold.
San San Sebastian productivity was halted, however, by the Mexican Revolution (1910-1820) and soon thereafter the foreign companies in charge of mining works moved to other areas. The last mine was abandoned 1921 and San Sebastian fell into near oblivion.
Today’s current population of the municipality including the town of San Sebastian is a little over 6,000 and the main economic activities involve agriculture, stock breeding, increasing tourism, and to a lesser degree, forestry.
The town’s unspoiled character which includes pretty cobblestone streets and adobe buildings make it a charming location for visitors from around the surrounding area including Puerto Vallarta and the Nayarit area.
To visit San Sebastian is to go back in time. Its churches, ranches, and old mines have endured despite the passage of time. And although most of its inhabitants left when the mines closed down those who stayed guarded what was left and kept the town’s history alive.
San Sebastian del Oeste is surrounded by lush fruit trees, pines, and oaks which shelter the former mansions of a bygone era, the old ranch haciendas, and the small casitas (houses) in the town. Some of the old haciendas in the surrounding area have also been restored and there are a number of small hotels, guest houses, and restaurants to attract overnight guests.
Some of the attractions in San Sebastian include the impressive 17th century church, Dona Conchita’s Museum, a mine tour, the Hacienda Jalisco Museum and Tour, and a number of stores selling local handcrafts, sweets, jewelry, silver and souvenirs. And for more action there are also horses and ATV’s for hire.
The Church of Saint Sebastian whose original construction was in 1608 was designed in the Colonial Spanish Baroque style. It has notable architectural details including Corinthian columns and ceiling vault frescoes.
"Taking a time out" with Frida Kahlo in San Sebastian del Oeste, Jalisco, Mexico.
San Sebastian is also known for its holiday fiestas including the following:
One of our favorite destinations when it is time for an escape and change of pace from our lives in Puerto Vallarta is the lovely town of San Sebastián del Oeste in Mexico. San Sebastian may only be a few hours away, but in ambiance, climate, charm, and history it could not be more different.
San Sebastian del Oeste was founded as a mining community by the Spanish Conquistadors over 400 years ago. It was one the main mining centers in New Spain (now known as Mexico) during the Colonial period. Ten haciendas and nearly thirty mines had been established there by 1785.
The small town of San Sebastian became a city in 1812 and reached its full maturity around 1830. At its peak in the early 20th century more than twenty five mines and a number of foundries were operating and the town’s population swelled to approximately 20,000 with miners in search of lead, zinc, silver, and gold.
San San Sebastian productivity was halted, however, by the Mexican Revolution (1910-1820) and soon thereafter the foreign companies in charge of mining works moved to other areas. The last mine was abandoned 1921 and San Sebastian fell into near oblivion.
Today’s current population of the municipality including the town of San Sebastian is a little over 6,000 and the main economic activities involve agriculture, stock breeding, increasing tourism, and to a lesser degree, forestry.
The town’s unspoiled character which includes pretty cobblestone streets and adobe buildings make it a charming location for visitors from around the surrounding area including Puerto Vallarta and the Nayarit area.
To visit San Sebastian is to go back in time. Its churches, ranches, and old mines have endured despite the passage of time. And although most of its inhabitants left when the mines closed down those who stayed guarded what was left and kept the town’s history alive.
San Sebastian del Oeste is surrounded by lush fruit trees, pines, and oaks which shelter the former mansions of a bygone era, the old ranch haciendas, and the small casitas (houses) in the town. Some of the old haciendas in the surrounding area have also been restored and there are a number of small hotels, guest houses, and restaurants to attract overnight guests.
Some of the attractions in San Sebastian include the impressive 17th century church, Dona Conchita’s Museum, a mine tour, the Hacienda Jalisco Museum and Tour, and a number of stores selling local handcrafts, sweets, jewelry, silver and souvenirs. And for more action there are also horses and ATV’s for hire.
The Church of Saint Sebastian whose original construction was in 1608 was designed in the Colonial Spanish Baroque style. It has notable architectural details including Corinthian columns and ceiling vault frescoes.
San Sebastian is also known for its holiday fiestas including the following:
* Feast of San Sebastian: On January 20 the inhabitants of San Sebastian celebrate their patron saint with charreadas (rodeos) and a traditional fair.
* Feast of the Virgin of the Assumption: On August 15 religious processions and rites are held to honor the Virgin.
* Independence Day: On September 15th and a parade on the l6th which is the most patriotic of the Mexican holidays.
* December 12th in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the small town of Los Reyes near San Sebastian del Oeste.
* Christmas festivities: The celebration of Christmas and the birth of Jesus are quite a treat in San Sebastian because they are in the form of pastorelas (or plays).
Whew! I don't know about you, but I have developed a thirst just thinking about the celebrations in San Sebastian del Oeste.
Although San Sebastian del Oeste is known for its fine coffee it doesn't mean that other locally made libations are not available!
And I couldn't help but include this photo which is one of my favorites from San Sebastian. Limes anyone?
San Sebastian has been honored to become a member of the prestigious
PUEBLOS MAGICOS MEXICO program developed by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism for the promotion of towns throughout Mexico.
These specially recognized towns are chosen based on the criteria that they offer visitors a “magical” experience by reason of their natural beauty, cultural richness, traditions, folklore, historical relevance, cuisine, arts and crafts, and great hospitality. I say bravo and congratulations, San Sebastian!
* Feast of the Virgin of the Assumption: On August 15 religious processions and rites are held to honor the Virgin.
* Independence Day: On September 15th and a parade on the l6th which is the most patriotic of the Mexican holidays.
* December 12th in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the small town of Los Reyes near San Sebastian del Oeste.
* Christmas festivities: The celebration of Christmas and the birth of Jesus are quite a treat in San Sebastian because they are in the form of pastorelas (or plays).
Whew! I don't know about you, but I have developed a thirst just thinking about the celebrations in San Sebastian del Oeste.
Although San Sebastian del Oeste is known for its fine coffee it doesn't mean that other locally made libations are not available!
San Sebastian has been honored to become a member of the prestigious
PUEBLOS MAGICOS MEXICO program developed by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism for the promotion of towns throughout Mexico.
These specially recognized towns are chosen based on the criteria that they offer visitors a “magical” experience by reason of their natural beauty, cultural richness, traditions, folklore, historical relevance, cuisine, arts and crafts, and great hospitality. I say bravo and congratulations, San Sebastian!
San Sebastian del Oeste is certainly MAGICAL in my opinion and I look forward to a return in the near future. And my closing reminder from San Sebastian: Memories are only a click away!
