With a population of more than 600,000, the port city of Veracruz is México’s second largest Gulf coast city. One hour east of Xalapa, the port of Veracruz once served as a loading site where silver extracted from Mexican mines was shipped to Spain. One of the city’s most popular landmarks is a large fortress called San Juan de Ulúa, which was built to protect the city from invaders. Today, the Veracruz harbor and aquarium draw many visitors, both native and foreign. Highlights of downtown Veracruz include the Municipal Palace, the Cathedral, and Plaza de Armas, the town square or zócalo, which is also the center of the city's lively nightlife. Lined with cafes and restaurants specializing in seafood, it is charming both by day and at night when musicians and dancers perform in the square. Veracruz has a rich tradition of music and dance that includes danzón, marimba, and el son jarocho, a mix of Cuban and Mexican folk music; the song La Bamba is a perfect example. The annual springtime Carnival and the Afro-caribbean Festival in July are just a few of the city’s most popular events.

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