Matamoros, Tamaulipas

Matamoros was founded in 1774 with the name of San Juan de Los Esteros Hermosos and re-named after the Independence hero Mariano Matamoros.

Matamoros is an important industrial and commercial city not only for the state of Tamaulipas but for the whole country. About 30 per cent of the Mexico-USA trade takes place in this border city.

The city offers interesting tourist attractions and services. This wide variety of options include from hotels for different budgets, to restaurants with local cuisine, to cultural and business centers that can satisfy visitors demands.

Beautiful buildings such as the Cathedral of "Nuestra Señora del Refugio" designated as such by Pope John XXIII, or the City Hall built in 1831, and the Opera Theater or Theater of the Reform built in 1865, where for the first time the Mexican national anthem was interpreted by its composer Jaime Nuno in 1904, are just some examples that visitors can admire while strolling through the city.

Other interesting places that tourists should not miss are the Main Square or the XIX century Fine Arts Building, the Victorian style Cross House, and the Urrutia House.

The Mexico Door or New Bridge, which was refurbished in 1963, links Matamoros to Brownsville in the United States.

Tourists enjoy visiting the Juarez Market since here it is possible to see real Mexican colorful folklore and handicrafts.

Matamoros features a nice beach named Bagdad that is the place for the city main festivity, held in March, that include parades and attractions for everyone.