Mexican Culture, History and Art

While people visit Cabo to get the American experience in Mexico, La Paz is a little known destination for those looking to experience the REAL Mexican culture. The area is rich in history, heritage, and a national pride in tradition, as well as a deep-seeded respect for ancestry and environment.

Mexico is located in the southern region of North America. The northern border is shared with the United States, and located to the west is the Pacific Ocean. In the northwest region of the country is a long peninsula, a piece of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California or Sea of Cortez. This is the Peninsula of Baja California, which, due to its great length, is divided in two states. The capital of Baja California Sur is La Paz, which is sheltered by a bay of huge dimensions surrounded by beautiful beaches of white sand.

The peninsula has been populated for over 12,000 years, but little is known about these first settlers; only cave paintings have been left behind as a testimony of their existence. In the 16th century, the peninsula had only a few semi-nomadic tribes of fishermen, and fruit and seed collectors. Hermes Cortes, encouraged by the fantastic stories such as the Las Sergas de Esplandian, organized the first journey to these lands in 1533. He directed the second expedition, arriving at the bay on the 3rd of May in 1535, baptizing the land as the Bay of Santa Cruz; however the camp was abandoned after two years, mainly because the dry soil would not allow cultivation. Finally, in 1596, Sebastian Vizcaino disembarked in the bay, renaming it La Paz and establishing a permanent camp. The Spanish quickly discovered the richness of pearls found in the place, resulting in their exploitation, which eventually would lead to a near extinction. In 1720, the Mission of “Nuestra Señora del Pilar de La Paz Airapi” was founded and in 1974 the territory became a state.

A focus on the arts prevails throughout the community; music recitals, festivals, art exhibitions, instructional classes and workshops, live theater, dances, and plays offer many opportunities to keep in touch with the culture. The local Cultural Center also offers lessons in ballet, guitar, painting, sculpting, and other fun hobbies. La Paz features numerous art galleries, which often house special art exhibitions and events. The many museums of the area include those for anthropology, whales and music. And a beautiful cathedral is located in the town square for those wanting to explore religion. The history of Mexico is rich and cherished, and La Paz offers a one-of-a-kind, authentic experience.

A List of La Paz Venues