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Veracruz is the name of both a state in Mexico and that state's largest city. This article is about the city. For the state, see: state of Veracruz. For other uses, see Veracruz (disambiguation).

The city of Veracruz is a major port city on the Gulf of Mexico in the Mexican state of Veracruz. It is Mexico's second largest Gulf city (after Tampico) and an important port on Mexico's east coast. It is located 105 km(65 mi.) along Federal Highway 140 from the state capital Xalapa, and is the state's most populous city, with a population of about 500,000 in 2000. It is often referred to as Puerto de Veracruz to distinguish it from the state. The people of Veracruz are known as jarochos.

History

The sea port was founded by Hernán Cortés, who first landed there in 1519 at the start of his quest to conquer Mexico for Spain. It was named La Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz ("The Rich Town of the True Cross"; the name is also occasionally given as La Rica Villa de la Vera Cruz). It was the main port of New Spain, the port where silver from the mines of Mexico was loaded onto the Spanish treasure fleets for shipment to Spain. The port was harassed by hostile powers and by pirates; pirate bands succeeded in pillaging the city in 1653 and in 1712. In response to such dangers the large fortress of San Juan de Ulúa was built on an island in the harbor, beginning in 1565 and substantially expanded several times later.

A natural harbor, Veracruz has been fought over throughout its history, and boasts the title "Four Times Heroic" in reference to the expulsion of the Spanish in 1815, the 1838 occupation of the French Navy in the Pastry War, and resistance to the United States's occupations of 1847 and 1914 (see: Siege of Veracruz and U.S. occupation of Veracruz, 1914).

During the Mexican-American War, US forces led by Gen. Winfield Scott took the city on March 29, 1847 after a siege. It was captured by France in 1838 and again in 1861. In 1914 it was occupied by the United States for seven months because of the Tampico Affair, this time under Major General Frederick Funston.

The railroad connecting Veracruz to Mexico City, 425 km (264 mi.) inland over mountain ranges, was constructed during the administration of Benito Juárez and inaugurated in 1873.

Culture

The city is known for its rich traditions of music, including marimba bands, danzón and comparsa. A special kind of music called son jarocho, a mix of Mexican folk music and Cuban son, was developed in southern Veracruz state, in and around Veracruz, Veracruz. La Bamba is the most famous example of son jarocho. An equally rich dance tradition parallels Veracruz's unique musical styles.

In downtown Veracruz, a large marble-tiled zócalo, called the Plaza de Armas or Plaza Lerdo, is the heart of the city's lively nightlife. It is lined with arcades that house bars and cafes. On a nearly nightly basis large groups of people sit outside in the plaza enjoying food, drinks and cigars, while they watch musicians and dancers that perform in the square. Veracruz's 18th century cathedral and 17th century Palacio Municipal are also located on the plaza.

The yearly Carnaval festival in Veracruz, a nine-day party in February or March, is the most spectacular festival of its kind, and it's also the oldest organized Carnaval in Mexico. The city also celebrates a yearly Afrocaribeño festival in July. These fesivities illustrate the fact that the city is in many ways more connected to Caribbean culture than that of inland Mexico.

The malecón harbor-front walk along the docks draws many tourists, more from within Mexico than foreigners. The city has several beaches as well, like Villa del Mar and Mocambo.

Trivia

As a bustling port city, Veracruz was the site of some of the most vicious pirate raids in the Gulf of Mexico. In 1683, the 5000 citizens of Veracruz were trapped in the city, when the pirate Laurent de Gaff held it under siege. His crew of 600 looted the city and terrorized the inhabitants and left unscathed several days later.

Secret tunnels are said to exist under the city. Local lore has it that they were built during the colonial era by a countess who used them to engage affairs with men in different locations in the city while her husband was away.

External links

• Official Veracruz website, in Spanish
• La Villa Rica de la Veracruz, in Spanish
• Museum of Veracruz, in Spanish

19°11′N 96°08′W / 19.183°N 96.133°W / 19.183; -96.133

• Cities in Veracruz
• Port cities in Mexico
• 1519 establishments