MAZATLÁN, Mexico – The Angela Peralta Theater is one lady who doesn’t mind revealing her age – more than 135 years old and looking as grand as ever.
Once this theater, in the heart of Mazatlán’s Historical Center, suffered from neglect. But the city and its residents refurbished 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 Mazatlán – undertaken to reclaim the grandeur, vitality and unique style of Mazatlán’s historic core. The revitalization program, which began in 2002, is a joint effort by the City of Mazatlán and its residents. Among the restoration’s highlights: lush landscaping and dramatic lighting effects on major colonial sites. “Mazatlán is one destination on Mexico’s Pacific Coast with a rich cultural heritage,” says Carlos Berdegue, vice president of the Mazatlán Hotel Association and tourism board. “Visitors enjoy golden sand beaches as well as a vibrant arts and culture scene in Old Mazatlán.”
Known as Centro Histórico, Old Mazatlán is a 180-block area with 479 buildings designated as national historic landmarks. The charming colonial district is characterized by winding streets, fanciful balconies, iron railings, colorful 19th-century buildings, parks, lush foliage and a band shell that hosts free concerts. At one time, the colonial town was Mazatlán’s commercial center. Today, the city and its residents are resurrecting the area as a cultural and entertainment hub. On Old Mazatlán’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 On History
Mazatlán recently installed a dramatic outdoor lighting system throughout the historic district. 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, Mazatlán’s largest monument, located near some of Old Mazatlán’s premier restaurants. Also illuminated is the Catedral Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion. Finished in 1890, the cathedral is unique, with tall spires, a Moroccan-tiled façade 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.
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 Mazatlán’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 Mazatlán Professional School of Contemporary Dance draws students from all over Mexico. Other El Centro cultural attractions are the Mazatlán Arts Museum and the Historic Center, offering walking tours of the colonial neighborhood.
About Mazatlán
Mazatlán is located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. As Mexico’s second largest coastal city, Mazatlán has nearly 600,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatlán and Zona Dorada or Golden Zone, with a seven-mile coastal road between the two. Mazatlán has an international sport-fishing reputation. Sites of interest include: the Angela Peralta Theater, Archeological Museum, Republic Plaza, Ocean Museum, Botanic Garden, San Jose Chapel and the world’s second-tallest lighthouse. Transportation is available via the local “pulmonías” or four-person open-air vehicles that have become a symbol of the city. Visit Mazatlán on the World Wide Web at www.gomazatlán.com.
-Mazatlan Hotel and Tourists Businesses Association
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