Founded in 1848, Nuevo Laredo astonishes its visitors with its vivid colors and its people's joy, because like all the Mexican cities, it displays an interesting mixture of traditions, folklore, cultural elements and an impressive past.
Just by crossing the international bridge into Mexican territory, the American visitor immerses himself in a pleasantly festive atmosphere, in which mariachi music floats in the air accompanied by the exquisite aromas of tortillas, roasted "cabrito" (baby goat) meat, frijolitos (beans) and beef fajitas prepared in quaint restaurants and bars, located only steps away from the northern border. Thousands of beautiful and delicate handicrafts in stands are in the downtown area, where you can also find historical buildings that are almost 150 years old. Â Come and live a truly Mexican experience in Nuevo Laredo!
Old Train Station
Built in the early 20th century and declared a historic monument by the 'National Institute of Anthropology and History', this is a Federal property of great importance for the city of Nuevo Laredo, due to the 'railway boom' in 1891 it started a new era of the development in the city.
Historical Archives
A fascinating insight into the history of Nuevo Laredo, this beautiful building holds the secret to the entire city's history. Today under its custody is the manuscript of the first history book of Nuevo Laredo known as the "Summary of the History of Nuevo Laredo" by Juan E. Richer, which dates from the end of the 19th century. This place is also the site of the Railroad Museum.
Nuevo Laredo's Cultural Center
Nuevo Laredo's Cultural Center features a complete library and bookstore. Within its facilities, which have the capacity to hold 1200 people, cultural shows are often presented such as: theater plays, concerts and dance recitals. In the near future, the center will also feature a museum, a cafeteria, a commercial hall, an experimental theater and an open-air theater.
During October, Nuevo Laredo's Cultural Center is the one of many venues for the Tamaulipas International Festival, which is a series of events that gathers multiple artists coming from diverse parts of the world to perform in the main cities of the state. Through this festival, inhabitants of, as well as visitors to, Nuevo Laredo expand their conceptual horizons, observing different manifestations of the human talent. Ballet and opera, experimental and theater for children, painting and sculpture exhibitions, concerts of North American, Cuban, Argentinean and even Chinese musicians, are just some of the many shows presented during Tamaulipas International Festival in Nuevo Laredo.
Day of the Dead
November 2nd is a really special day for Mexicans, since it is when deceased relatives and friends are honored. On the Day of Dead, the municipal cemetery of Nuevo Laredo comes to life through music, prayer, conversation and the multiple colors of flowers, since families meet in the cemetery to construct an altar with marigolds and chrysanthemums, multicolored paper and even small skulls made out of sugar!
People usually take their dead relatives their favorite dishes and drinks, numerous local bands offer to serenade the non-living, while the living sing and dance for those who now inhabit Mictlan (Land of the Dead for the Aztec civilization). Later, the celebration is taken to Nuevo Laredo's downtown, where music and dances continue and the altars can be admired by local and foreign visitors. During the night, the best decorated altar gets a special award.
Founder's Monument
It is considered to be the monument that best represents Nuevo Laredo. Built in 1958 by the Federal Board of Material Improvements, to honor the 118 families that founded the Nuevo Laredo Village on June the 15th, 1848, the statue represents a family that took its belongings to cross the Rio Grande, while raising the Mexican flag.
Plaza Hidalgo
This plaza pays tribute to Miguel Hidalgo, considered by the Mexican people ''Father of the Independence." It was he who initiated the revolt that would result in the political separation of Mexico from the Spanish crown. In the square, there is a clock that was built in 1926, that preserves its original mechanism and works perfectly to this day. This place is also a common meeting spot for locals and it is often used as a stage by traveling theater groups and local folk bands.
Holy Child Temple
A really beautiful temple, built between 1879 and 1888, designed by the famous Italian architect Mateo Mattei. Located in the historic center of Nuevo Laredo, this church was declared a Historic Monument of the Nation on the 8th of September, 1983.