The city of Queretaro is a very old and historic city with many colonal buildings, churches and city lengends behind the construction and growth of the town.  It is absolutely gorgeous, one of the most remarkable aspects besides its structures is its cleanliness...the city's inhabitants take great pride in their city with good reason!

On Sunday, March 16th, the group went on a city wide tour presented to us by the Municipality of Queretaro.  The tour began downtown and walked through the streets lead by the tour guide, Denep, learning about the historic battle between the Indians of Queretaro and the Spanish.  Monuments have been erected in honor and rememberance of past city leaders. 

As the team wound their way through the downtown area they quickly noticed little stands and set ups, groups and individuals selling woven crosses hand made from corn husks and other natural materials.    The street sellers increased in number as the team approached the one of the city’s greatest churches, the Holy Cross.  The Holy Cross carries great historic meaning throughout the city of Queretaro and is absolutely beautiful.  The team was priviledged to have the opportunity to be taken through its rooms and taught about the history of its monks. 

The corn husk crosses as we later learned were a part of the tradition of Holy Week leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. 

After the tour of the Holy Cross the team was taken on a broader tour of the city via trolly where we learned about the legend behind one of the most outstanding structures within the city, the Aqueduct.  Legend goes that the Marquee fell in love with one of the nuns from the Holy Cross and upon asking her how he can demonstrate his love for her, she replied to him by bringing life to the city.  Queretaro and much of Mexico being a dry arid climate values water, and water as we all know is necessary for life!!!  So....the Marquee in demonstration for his undying love for this nun build the Aqueduct which begins outside the city of Queretaro and runs through into the heart of the city ending in, you guessed it, the Holy Cross where his beloved nun lived.  So the story goes!!!

"It was awesome to see the city structures and learn a bit about the history and culture of the city itself, especially the legends and stories behind some of the buildings...we were extremely grateful to the city for providing us this unique opportunity to experience the city and its heritage."  -Coach Courtney Nash