Zacatecas, Culture and Fun

Cultural week in Zacatecas

The annual Cultural Festival of Zacatecas, during Holy Week and the week immediately following, offers a wide variety of events and presentations by national and international arts groups, and highlights the cultural resources of the state of Zacatecas through presentations by local artists, dancers, singers and musicians. During this week the city offers more than 170 cultural events aimed at every audience and all tastes-presentations for children; theater and dance; music from classical to rock; literary events; exhibits of plastic art and handicrafts; and Holy Week celebrations. Participating in the festival while studying Spanish is a special opportunity to combine the interesting work of language acquisition with the wealth and fun of immersing oneself in the artistic aspects of the culture in which that language lives.
FLI offers special study packages and prices during the Zacatecas Cultural Festival.

Excursions

Fenix Language Institute provides supplementary tours for its Language and Culture Program. These are culturally educational as well as recreational. The student has the opportunity to increase his or her knowledge of Mexico in a fun way, but with learning as the principal objective. Fenix tours are led by a guide, with an orientation over the trip beforehand.

Theater

The artistic and cultural life of Zacatecas is rich and lively, comparable to that of other great cities of the world. One can find vanguard film, classical and popular music concerts, classical and folkloric ballet, poetry readings, literary conferences and competitions.

Camping

Weekend camping trips to scenic parks can also be arranged.

Internet Cafes

There are more than 100 internet cafes in Zacatecas. They are relaxing places where you can have a cup of coffee or a soft drink while checking your e-mail in order to stay in contact with people throughout the world.

Museums

Students can visit the museums in Zacatecas and its vicinity. To increase student understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of museum visits, Fenix Language Institute offers special lectures about the museums before each visit.

Internship (volunteer work)

In Zacatecas, Fenix offers afternoon volunteer programs of two types, both integrating the student into an aspect of local daily life and providing an excellent opportunity to practice the language in a field of interest to the student. For students interested in learning a new skill and practicing the language in a hands-on setting, opportunities are available to work as unpaid apprentices in weaving, leather-making, beekeeping, farming or as shop assistants.
For advanced students with prior experience and professional interest in an area, volunteer internships can be arranged in education, administration, communications, social work and similar areas.

Callejoneadas

The beauty of the city is emphasized by walking and dancing through its alleys, gardens, and squares to the beat of unique, typical Zacatecan big drum music accompanied by mezcal served in small jugs, and refreshments.

Expositions

For many years, Zacatecas has been known for its extensive cultural life, and it is possible to enjoy different kinds of expositions: paintings, photos, handicrafts, performances of literary works, and many others.

The State Band

The popular State Band of Zacatecas is one of the oldest and most famous bands in Mexico and they have performed for many different national and international audiences.
Even today, it remains a tradition of the families of Zacatecas to be entertained by “their” band every Thursday and Sunday.

Restaurants and cafes

Restaurants in Zacatecas offer traditional Zacatecan, traditional Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Argentinian foods, as well as American steak cuts. Some cafes offer the best imported and exported coffees.

Gym

If you want to keep in shape, there is a professional gym only 3 minutes away from Fenix.

Hiking

There are very interesting mountains in the state of Zacatecas where people can exercise and enjoy nature.

Bars and Discos

There is a variety of nightlife in Zacatecas, especially on weekends. There are many different types of bars and discos in the city, including the only disco in the world which is 400 meters above the surface of the earth.

Zacatecas National Fair

Taking place during the first two weeks of September, the fair showcases the commercial, industrial and cultural development of the state.

Cable Car

To observe the fanciful design of the city and its clean blue sky there is nothing better than riding the cable car which goes between the hills of El Grillo and La Bufa. At the latter you can visit a series of places that will make your coming to Zacatecas an unforgettable experience.

Swimming

Some recreational places have swimming pools. It is only necessary to pay a minimal admission fee.

Brachos Morismas

A tradition for hundreds of years that takes place during the last week of August where for three days the townspeople represent the battles between the moors and Christians.

Sports

As players or fans, students, instructors, and local people can strengthen their friendships in this relaxing environment for practicing Spanish.

Mountain Bike

Mountain bikes are also available for touring the city of Zacatecas and for exploring the surrounding area.