|
 OVERVIEW
Home to a fine collection of numerous 18th- and 19th-century buildings as
well as a rich throng of recreation areas, it is no wonder why Monterrey has
become such a popular tourist stop in northern Mexico. The third-largest
city in the country, Monterrey is also the industrial and cultural capital of
the state of Nuevo Leon. Its proximity to the technologically-advanced and
economically prosperous country like the U.S. may vitiate the indigenous local
culture somewhat, but Monterrey unashamedly boasts its wealth and a cutting-edge
appeal with its contribution to the national economy, housing many excellent
higher education institutions whose quality and fame rival those in America and
the U.K, and having a highly efficient metro rail system. With tremendous
culture and nightlife to boot, Monterrey is an indisputably hip city to visit.
HISTORY IN BRIEF
Historical evidence suggests that the first settlers of Monterrey are the
Chichimeca whose cave paintings and inscriptions testify to their advanced
civilization. However, the city was not officially founded until Don Diego
de Montemayor brought a small group of settlers to the valley in 1596.
Later, the Free and Sovereign state of Nuevo Leon was established in 1824 as
part of the Mexican Republic. The provisional governor in 1885, Bernado
Reyes initiated the transformation of the region's industrial and economic
development as banking, education and other essential institutions were founded.
Since then, industry and commerce have been inseparable duo in the make up of
the modern city of Monterrey.
GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
Nicknamed "City of Mountains", Monterrey is surrounded by the
Sierra Madre mountains, where the Santa Catarina river meanders through the
city. It sits on an elevation of 1,800 ft above sea level which makes the
climate dry throughout the year except during occasional heavy rainstorms
(September is the wettest month). The temperature ranges from 70F in the
winter to mid-90s in the summer. It can get cool in the evenings in
winter, but generally the weather here is almost always pleasant.
ECONOMY
Monterrey's well known industries include beer, finance, steel and glass.
Examples of beer produced in the city are Bohemia, Indio, XX, Sol, Carta Blanca,
Nochebuena, and Casta. The headquarters of Cemex, the world wide
conglomerate of construction materials, are located here as well as Vitro which
numbers among one of the glass industry giants in North America. In
addition, Monterrey's affluent economy makes it one of the richest city in
Mexico.
FOOD
Monterrey's typical cuisine includes "Machacado con huevo", a dish
prepared with dry beef, eggs, and salsa. The most traditional dish is
"Cabrito al pastor", a young goat cooked in embers based on the Jewish
cuisine imported by the founders of the city. Other dishes include "Cabrito
asado": kid goat dish accompanied with sauce, flour tortillas, fried kid
goat and lamb, "cortadillo de res": chopped seasoned beef, "machaha":
dry met, and other roasted meats dishes. A variety of candies made of goat
milk can be found easily at any candy store in the city.
|
