The City of Cuernavaca
History Of Sister City Relationship
Denver, Colorado and Cuernavaca, Mexico became sister cities in 1983. In early 1982, Denver Sister Cities International President, George Barrante, and the Director of the Denver Commission on Community Relations, Minoru Yasui, began to pursue a Mexican sister city relationship. At the end of the year, Cuernavaca was chosen as the best candidate and became Denver’s sixth sister city. They both enjoy sitting at a “mile high” elevation above sea level. Since becoming Denver’s sister city, residents of both cities have benefited from the cultural, educational, and personal exchanges that the relationship has promoted.
Facts At-A-Glance
Pronunciation:kwer-nuh-vah-kuh
Region: South Central Mexico. Capital and largest city in the State of Morelos. Located in the Amacuzac Basin of the Sierra del Chichinautzin sub-mountain range.
Population of Cuernavaca: 365,168 (2012)
Population of Mexico: 123,166,749 (2016)
Mayor: Francisco Antonio Villalobos
Spoken Languages: Spanish
Cuernavaca: Of Interest
- Cuernavaca boasts examples of ancient Aztec and Tlahuica cultures. The name ‘Cuernavaca’ is derived from the Nahuatl phrase Cuauhnahuac, and translates to “surrounded by or close to trees.”
- Located in the central highlands of Mexico, about 50 miles south of Mexico City, it is often referred to as “la ciudad de la primavera eterna” (“the city of eternal springtime”) because of the year-round temperate climate.
- Many Aztec kings, Spanish conquistadors, and European monarchs selected it as a retreat for rest and relaxation. Even today, thousands of residents of Mexico City flock to Cuernavaca for weekend getaways.
- Economically, Cuernavaca is fueled by the agricultural industry, but has more recently grown to include the manufacturing industry due to foreign investments from companies like Nissan.
- Education is also an important aspect of Cuernavaca’s economic and cultural life. It is home to the Universidad Autonoma de Morelos, as well as around 50 language schools where college students, executives, diplomats and others who want to learn Spanish can study.
- Cuernavaca has numerous tourist attractions, like its cathedral, built by Franciscan missionaries in the 16th century. It is among the oldest churches still in use on the North American continent. The Palacio de Cortez, which sits beside Cuernavaca’s Zocalo (central public square), was constructed in the 16th century at the request of the Spanish Conquistador of Mexico, Hernan Cortez. Today, it houses a historical museum as well as a mural by the famous 20th Century painter, Diego Rivera.
Cuernavaca – Denver Relationship
- High school students from both cities have traveled to the other in educational exchanges.
- The Cuernavaca committee has provided financial support for a few hand-picked charitable organizations operating in Cuernavaca, such as a home for unwed mothers.
- In 1996, an older fire truck from the Denver Fire Department fleet was refurbished and sent to Cuernavaca’s fire department.
Cuernavaca Committee Contact Information
Committee Chair: Open
Phone: (303) 832-1336
Email: cuernavaca@denversistercities.org
Cuernavaca: Resources
http://www.cuernavaca.gob.mx.
Information about the government, economy, culture and people of Cuernavaca