Discover the Charming City of Piedras Negras
Welcome to the delightful city of Piedras Negras! If you’ve been searching for information on “Piedras Negras,” you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re planning a visit, or just curious about this fascinating location, this guide will provide you with all the essential details!
A Glimpse into the History
Piedras Negras, which translates to “black stones” in Spanish, owes its name to the rich coal deposits found in the area. Founded on June 15, 1850, this city has a colorful history filled with notable events. Originally named Nueva Villa de Herrera, it was later renamed Villa de Piedras Negras. In 1888, it gained city status under the name Ciudad Porfirio Díaz, only to revert to Piedras Negras in 1911 after the fall of Porfirio Díaz.
Geography and Climate
Location
Piedras Negras is situated in the northeastern part of Coahuila, Mexico, and shares a border with Eagle Pass, Texas, USA. The cities are connected by the Eagle Pass–Piedras Negras International Bridge, Camino Real International Bridge, and the Union Pacific International Railroad Bridge.
Climate
Piedras Negras boasts a hot semi-arid climate. Summer temperatures often exceed 45°C (113°F), making it one of the hottest cities in Mexico. The hottest months are May through September, while the wettest months are May, June, and September.
Things to Do and See
Macro Plaza
This large square is lined with restaurants, shops, and other businesses, making it a perfect spot to experience the local culture.
San Bernardo Mission
Visit the ruins of this 18th-century mission to step back in time and explore a piece of history.
Mercado Zaragoza
A traditional Mexican market where you can shop for handmade arts and crafts, including ceramics, leather goods, and traditional Mexican candy.
Exciting Events and Festivals
International Day of the Nacho
Every October 21, Piedras Negras celebrates the International Day of the Nacho, commemorating the invention of nachos by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya in 1943. The event features a three-day festival filled with food and fun activities.
Bike Fest
This annual event attracts visitors from both Mexico and the United States. It includes concerts, food, acrobatic shows, and a grand prize drawing for a brand new motorcycle. The 2016 prize was a Harley Davidson Sportster!
Local Media and Resources
Stay updated with local news through Zócalo News, La Voz, and El Día News. You can also tune into various radio stations like EXA FM 105.5 and Súper Estelar 107.9 FM for the latest updates and music.
Transportation
If you’re planning to visit, you can reach Piedras Negras via Aeropuerto Internacional de Piedras Negras. The city is well-connected, making travel convenient and accessible.
The Economy
Economically, Piedras Negras is bolstered by its maquiladora industry, which primarily focuses on automotive parts, electronics, and textiles. The city is also home to two major coal-fired power plants, further highlighting its economic importance.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official Wikipedia page for Piedras Negras.
We hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Enjoy your journey to Piedras Negras!
