The town of Álamos in the state of Sonora, Mexico, was founded in the late 17th century following discoveries of copper mines in the region. It was named by the conquistador Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, and became the capital of the surrounding region.

Álamos contains many buildings exhibiting classic colonial architecture, notably the central plaza, the chapel of Purísima Concepción, the municipal Palace and "La Ciudad de los Portales". Average temperature is about 14 °C (58 °F); maximum 30 °C (85 °F).

Many fiestas occur in Álamos in the month of January, notably the festival of "Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado", attended by many national and foreign actors.

Álamos is located in the southeastern part of Sonora, and 396 km (246 miles) from state capital Hermosillo and 663 km (412 miles) from the northern border town of Nogales. It is adjoined by Chihuahua on the northeast and Sinaloa on the south. Its population is 6,132 and its area 1,716,707 acres (6,947 km²).

The economy of Álamos is based on agriculture, thanks to the Adolfo Ruiz Cortinez dam, which waters 80,000 acres (324 km²); cattle ranching and mining are seasonal. In addition,

Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado , born in this community in 1894, achieved recognition for being "El Tenor de las Américas". The renowned Mexican screen actress María Félix was born here on April 8 1914.

The creek of Cuchujaqui, which is an ecological reserve, is located in this area. This creek, the most subtropical area in the Northern Hemisphere, is the subject of scientific study and the southern migration destination of hundreds of different species of birds.

Álamos claims to be the "Mexican jumping bean capital of the world".

Famous people born in Álamos

• Álvaro Obregón, president, revolutionary
• Alfonso Ortiz Tirado , tenor
• María Félix, motion picture actress
• Félix Zuloaga , soldier, politician

External link

• Turismo Sonora