Mazatl'an to be Considered as a World Cultural Site
MAZATL'AN, Mexico, October 4, 2005. Mazatl'an will host the International Symposium for the Conservation of World Cultural Heritage, Nov. 9-12, for the Mexican Committee of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
During the event, ICOMOS will consider designating Mazatl'an's Historic District a World Heritage Site. To be included on this prestigious list, a site must prove it provides universal value to humanity. World Heritage Sites include the Great Wall of China; Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris, France; the Acropolis, Athens, Greece; the Historic Centre of Salzburg, Austria, and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere, Riviera Maya, Mexico.
"It is an honor to have Old Mazatl'an under consideration as a member of this elite group," says Alfredo Gomez Rubio, president of the Mazatl'an Historic Center Project. "Not only is this a special year for ICOMOS, celebrating its 40th anniversary. It also is a special time for Old Mazatl'an, having just completed the first phase of a major revitalization program."
The ICOMOS Symposium will cover Tourism and Cultural Heritage throughout Mexico. Participating countries include: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Italy, Spain, Uruguay, and Panama.
ICOMOS is an international organization that works to ensure the conservation of cultural heritage sites around the globe. With more than 7,000 professional members in over 100 countries, ICOMOS is the leading authority on the management and preservation of heritage sites. The organization also plays a vital role in counseling the United Nations Education, Science, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on cultural properties to be included on the World Heritage List. Additionally, it reports on the conservation of properties already listed.
"We're honored to host the Mexican Committee of this prestigious organization," says Carlos Berdegue, vice president of the Mazatl'an Hotel Association and Tourism Board. "Our city is one of Mexico's cultural jewels. Tourists come for our spectacular golden beaches and fine cuisine as well for our rich cultural heritage and the vibrant arts and cultural scene on the streets of Old Mazatl'an."
Known as El Centro Hist'orico, Old Mazatl'an makes up a 180-block area with 479 buildings, all designated national historical landmarks. The charming colonial district is characterized by winding narrow streets, fanciful balconies, colorful 19th-century buildings, parks and a band shell that hosts free concerts.
At one time, El Centro was Mazatl'an's commercial district. Today, the city and its residents are resurrecting the area as a cultural hub. Now, El Centro houses shops, museums, art galleries, restaurants, theaters and jazz clubs. Also visible on the district's lively streets are unique examples of colonial architecture, like the Angela Peralta Theater, named after a famous opera star of the period, and the Cathedral Basilica de la Immaculada Concepcion. Built in 1890, this Baroque cathedral is the world's only Roman Catholic Church with the Star of David displayed in each of its 28 stained glass windows.
Often referred to as the Pearl of the Pacific, Mazatl'an, or "land of the deer," is located on the Pacific Ocean at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountains. As Mexico's second largest coastal city, Mazatl'an is the capital of Sinaloa state with nearly 600,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two main areas: Old Mazatl'an and Zona Dorada or "Golden Zone," with a seven-mile coastal road between the two. Mazatl'an has an international sports-fishing reputation with Mexico's largest Pacific Coast port featuring the largest fleet of commercial vessels. 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 accessible via the local "pulmon'ias" or four-person open-air vehicles that have become a symbol of the city. Visit Mazatl'an on the World Wide Web at www.gomazatl'an.com.
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