Table of Contents:
- Real del Monte Introduction
- A Brief History of Real del Monte
- Traditional Festivities in Real del Monte
- The Football Tradition: The Birthplace of Mexican Soccer
- Pastes: The Culinary Symbol of Real del Monte
- The English Cemetery: A Piece of Britain in Mexico
- What to Do in Real del Monte
- Towns Near Real del Monte to Visit
- Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Real del Monte
- Informative Video
Real del Monte Introduction
This beautiful place fills me with many memories I treasure with all my heart and soul. It was the first place where I remember traveling with my granny, and every corner I visit every time I return fills me with nostalgia and a beautiful feeling of knowing that I have spent beautiful moments in this Magic Town. I also vividly remember traveling with my granny to this place, and it was Christmas. The whole town smelled like ‘ponche,’ and we drank Christmas beverages like hot cocoa, white chocolate, and ponche. It is something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Located near the mountains of Hidalgo, this destination is like a living history book. Famous for its rich mining history, strong British vibes, and delicious pastes, this Pueblo Mágico is an essential travel destination for travelers seeking charm, culture, and a little bit of England in Mexico. It doesn’t matter if you love history, are into football, or simply want traditional food; this guide will walk you through everything that makes Real del Monte magical and perfect for your next traveling destination.
A Brief History of Real del Monte: From Silver Mines to a Pueblo Mágico
The Indigenous Beginnings and Spanish Conquest ⚔️
Before the arrival of the Spanish, the Otomi people inhabited the region, benefiting from the area’s natural resources. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they quickly recognized the land’s potential, rich in silver and other minerals. The mines of Real del Monte became some of the most important in New Spain, producing vast amounts of silver that fueled the Spanish crown.
The British Legacy: Migration and Mining 💂🏻♂️
In the early 19th century, British investors took control of the struggling mines after Mexico gained independence. They brought advanced mining techniques, steam engines, and skilled Cornish miners to revitalize the industry. These British workers settled in Mineral del Monte (Real del Monte for Spanish conquers), shaping the town’s culture, architecture, and food.
This is why you’ll find English-style homes, pastes (Cornish pastries adapted to local flavors), and the oldest football tradition in Mexico. Also, later in the article, you will see an English Cemetery that the now-King Charles III of the United Kingdom visited in 2014.
#OtD 30 Jul 1766 silver miners in Real Del Monte, Mexico, went on strike against a 25% pay cut in the first recorded strike against an employer in North American history. The employers finally caved in September. This is a history of the strike: https://t.co/J8xf30eckb pic.twitter.com/U6B79WUNd9
— Working Class History (@wrkclasshistory) July 30, 2021
The Decline and Revival as a Pueblo Mágico 🏡
Mining declined by the early 20th century due to financial difficulties and resource depletion. However, the town never lost its charm. In 2004, it was declared a Pueblo Mágico, officially recognizing its historical and cultural significance. Today, the city is increasing tourism, celebrating its mining roots, British heritage, and local traditions. Also, it’s an excellent choice if you want peace and many adventures. You will see why if you keep reading with us!
Traditional Festivities in Real del Monte
A town with such a rich history naturally has colorful traditions and festivals. If you visit during these celebrations, you’ll experience this magical town at its best.
La Feria del Paste (Paste Festival) 🍽️
Held every October, this festival pays tribute to Real del Monte’s iconic pastry: the paste. Bakeries and vendors sell every imaginable variety, from traditional Cornish-style pastes filled with meat and potatoes to sweet versions with pineapple or cajeta. You will feel the local vibes around you while eating a delicious paste. Want some?
Semana Santa (Holy Week) 🙏
During Easter, the town comes alive with religious processions, reenactments, and community gatherings. The streets are beautifully decorated, and local families take part in solemn traditions that date back centuries.
Fiesta de la Santa Cruz ✝
Celebrated in early May, this festival is particularly important for local miners, as they honor the Holy Cross as their protector. You can admire colorful parades, music, and plenty of fireworks. The vibes of this town hit differently during religious festivities.
The Football Tradition: The Birthplace of Mexican Soccer
One of the most fascinating aspects of Real del Monte is its claim to being the birthplace of Mexican football (soccer). British miners introduced the sport in the 19th century, forming Mexico’s first football team in 1900.
Club Pachuca and Real del Monte’s Football Influence ⚽
The passion for football spread quickly, leading to the creation of Club Pachuca, one of Mexico’s most successful teams. Today, you can visit the Museo del Fútbol in nearby Pachuca to learn more about how Real del Monte played a crucial role in bringing the sport to Mexico.
If you’re a football fan, don’t miss a visit to the old mine shafts where workers once played during their breaks, unknowingly shaping the future of Mexican soccer. In fact, there is a Mexican movie called Atlético San Pancho. Check it out and learn more about Real del Monte’s Football Influence!
Pastes: The Culinary Symbol of Real del Monte
If there’s one thing you must try in Real del Monte, it’s a paste. Introduced by Cornish miners, this humble yet delicious pastry quickly adapted to the unique and iconic Mexican flavors.
The Difference Between a Paste and an Empanada 🥟
While similar to empanadas, pastes have a distinctively crimped edge, originally designed so miners could hold them with dirty hands and discard the crust. Traditional pastes are filled with meat, potatoes, and sometimes turnips, but today, you’ll find a variety of flavors. My favorites are the sweetest ones, just like me. Ha ha!🙈
Where to Eat the Best Pastes 😋
- Pastes El Billar – A historic spot with some of the best pastes in town.
- Pastes Kikos – Famous for both traditional and creative fillings. Be careful when telling locals in Hidalgo that you like this place. They do not accept this franchise so easily because it is the most commercial one in Mexico. They opt more for local restaurants. However, I love Pastes Kikos; you can get them in many parts of Mexico. But shhh, it will be our secret. 🙊
- Pastes El Portal – A great place to try pastes with a view of the main square.
- Pastes Dificultad – Another local favorite you should visit to.
- El Serranillo – A restaurant with many traditional dishes, including delicious pastes.
To learn more about the history of pastes, visit the Museo del Paste, where you can even take a workshop to make your own.
The English Cemetery: A Piece of Britain in Mexico
One of the most unique and impressive places in Real del Monte is the English Cemetery, resting on a quiet hill with a breathtaking town view. Queen Elizabeth II honored Don Chencho, the caretaker of the English Cemetery in Real del Monte, Hidalgo, as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. The family of María del Carmen Hernández Skewes has safeguarded the cemetery for five generations. Only the British Crown can authorize a burial in this historic resting place.
A Cemetery with No Crosses ⚰️
Unlike traditional Mexican cemeteries, the English Cemetery reflects the Protestant beliefs of the British community. You won’t find many crosses, just beautifully carved tombstones with inscriptions in English. Some of these have Masonic symbols or even goat heads. It has a lot of mysticism and mystery that will give you a strange vibe.
The Mystery of Richard Bell 👻
Richard Bell, a famous English clown in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, captivated Mexican audiences with his performances. Despite historical records indicating that he was buried in New York in 1911, a legend persists that his remains lie in the English Cemetery of Real del Monte.
This belief stems from a tomb bearing his name, though it is widely believed to belong to a miner with the same name. However, what truly fuels the mystery is the unique orientation of the grave. Unlike the other tombs, which traditionally face east, Bell’s tomb is said to be the only one facing away from England, a peculiar detail that has intrigued historians and visitors alike.
El clown inglés Ricardo Bell (Richard Bell Guest, 1858-1911), estrella del Circo Orrín en el México de finales del siglo XIX y principios del XX.
— Jorge García (@ALaSalida) November 21, 2018
El poeta Juan de Dios Peza escribió en "El Monitor Republicano" sobre Bell 《es más popular que el pulque》…
Foto @ArchivoCasasola pic.twitter.com/yBeU0Adnjg
Locals like to tell visitors that the unusual positioning of his grave symbolizes his rejection by British society. His humor and double-entendre-heavy acts were said to have a lot of rejection in England, leading to his metaphorical exile. True or not, this intriguing legend is enshrined in the folklore of Real del Monte’s varied history and still brings curious travelers to the small town known as the place where Richard Bell’s enigma lives.
With this tale, the English Cemetery, the final resting spot of Cornish miners and British immigrants, gets an added dose of mystery. If you are interested in history or British heritage or just looking for a peaceful spot with great views, the English Cemetery is worth visiting.
What to Do in Real del Monte
Aside from its historical sites, Real del Monte offers plenty of activities for adventurers like you.
Explore the Main Plaza ⛪
The heart of the town is its picturesque plaza, surrounded by colonial buildings, cafes, and souvenir shops. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and soak in the atmosphere. The local vibe is fantastic here.
Visit the Mining Museums 🏛️
- Mina de Acosta – Offers guided tours through an old silver mine.
- Museo de Medicina Laboral – Showcases the medical history of miners in the region.
Hike to Peña del Cuervo ⛰️
For amazing views of the town and surrounding mountains, hike up to Peña del Cuervo. It’s incredibly stunning at sunrise or sunset. You won’t regret it!
Towns Near Real del Monte to Visit
If you have time, explore some nearby destinations that complement your visit to Real del Monte.
Mineral del Chico 🌱
A charming town with beautiful forests, hiking trails, and waterfalls. It’s perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Huasca de Ocampo 🏞️
Another Pueblo Mágico is known for its basaltic prisms, an incredible natural rock formation that looks like something from another planet.
Pachuca 🌆
The capital of Hidalgo, Pachuca, is home to the stunning Reloj Monumental and the Museo de Fútbol. It’s a great place to learn more about the region’s history.
Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Real del Monte
As you can see, this lovely place in Mexico offers everything a traveler wants in a vacation: adventure, history, and gastronomy. To arrive at this place is to arrive at one of the most cultural places in this country, demonstrating once again that Mexico has absolutely everything. It is as if it were a world in one country. If you like Mexican culture, don’t hesitate to come to this beautiful Pueblo Magico to fall in love once again with the people and the Mexican vibe.
Whether you’re drawn by its mining history, football legacy, or delicious pastes, Real del Monte offers a truly unique experience. This Pueblo Mágico seamlessly blends British and Mexican cultures, making it one of the most fascinating towns in Mexico. Real del Monte should be at the top of your travel list if you’re looking for a destination with history, charm, and incredible food.