Santa Clara del Cobre
Discover
Did you know that in Michoacán we love to show copper in all its splendor? If you visit Santa Clara del Cobre, you will understand why. This picturesque Magical Town is famous for the skill of its artisans, who, with a hammer blow, transform copper into true works of art. From small pieces such as caballitos tequileros to impressive tubs and trays, in Santa Clara you will discover a diversity of copper objects that will surprise you with their beauty and quality. Each piece is unique, the result of an artisan tradition that has been kept alive for generations.
The historical legacy of Santa Clara del Cobre is not only limited to its handicrafts. This town has an architectural heritage dating from the XVI to XIX centuries, where styles such as neoclassical, baroque and plateresque are mixed. The typical civil architecture of the place complements the charm of its streets and buildings.
Santa Clara also has interesting connections to Mexican history. A brother of Miguel Hidalgo, the Father of the Nation, was a parish priest here, and Hidalgo himself was an Honorary Sacristan, so he used to visit the town frequently. In recognition of its artisan legacy, Santa Clara’s copper hammering technique was awarded the National Prize of Sciences, Arts and Popular Traditions in 1984.
We recommend you to visit
- Artisan Center: Here you can see live the elaboration of copper pieces and purchase unique objects directly from the artisans’ workshops.
- Santa Clara de Asís Parish: A historic church that reflects the syncretism between the indigenous tradition and the Catholic faith.
- Templo de la Purísima Concepción: Built in the middle of the 18th century, this temple is an example of the religious architecture of the time.
- Copper Workshop School: An institution dedicated to the teaching and preservation of the art of copper hammering, where new generations of artisans are trained.
- Casa Natal de Pito Pérez: Now a public library, this place was the home of Jesús Pérez Gaona, the character that inspired the novel La Vida Inútil de Pito Pérez (The Useless Life of Pito Pérez).
- Chapel of “La Hutápera”: Built in 1538 by Fray Martín de la Coruña by order of Don Vasco de Quiroga, this old hospital reflects the early history of evangelization in the region.
What you have to try
Santa Clara also offers a rich variety of traditional flavors:
- Tortas de Tostada: A unique regional snack, with crispy tostadas as a base.
- Tostadas de Carne Apache: A local specialty made with beef marinated in lime, accompanied by chiles and vegetables.
- Corundas: Triangular tamales served with cream and cheese.
- Barbacoa de Borrego: Cooked in the traditional style, wrapped in maguey stalks.
- Enchiladas con Mole: A dish that combines stuffed tortillas with a thick and tasty mole.
- Charanda: A typical drink from Michoacán, made from sugar cane, similar to rum.
What you have to live
- National Copper Fair (July 22 to August 31): This event is the heart of celebrations in Santa Clara. During the fair, there are craft contests, exhibitions, live demonstrations and cultural events that showcase the mastery of local artisans.
- Patron Saint Festivities (August 2 to 16): Celebrations in honor of Santa Clara de Asís, where the town is filled with music, traditional dances and displays of devotion.
Santa Clara del Cobre is a place where tradition is alive in every hammer blow, in every piece of copper and in every cobblestone street. Discover a town full of history, creativity and artisan pride, where copper shines with its own light.
