San José de Gracia, Aguascalientes

San José de Gracia is one of just four Pueblos Magicos in Aguascalientes. With just about 9,000 people in the entire municipality, about half of them live in the small town that serves as its seat. The town dates from the late 17th Century, but really came into its own with the building of the President Calles Dam in 1928. 

Today, visitors come for the natural attractions. Among the most important are the Boca de Túnel Adventure Park, the Alameda Theme Park, the Cerro de en Medio, the Sierra Fría, and the Miguel Hidalgo Garden. Cultural attractions include the Sanctuary of the Broken Christ, the Ignacio Zaragoza Plaza, the Presidente Calles Dam area. The Municipal Crafts Market is another important spot for visitors. Local artisans specialize in works in stone and crochet, but of course discovering something unique and invaluable is part of the adventure. 

The local food scene is especially acclaimed for the pacholes, mole blanco, and mole de guajolote.

Annual festivities include an important Regional Corn Fair, the Ethnic Encounter festivities, and Holy Week. Independence Day celebrations (in mid-September) include a famous Horseback Ride, and the Feast of San José goes on for several days. San José de Gracia is also famous for its Bird Festival and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception still draws religious visitors as well as their secular counterparts.