Scottsdale Sister Cities Association
" The sisterhood of cities leads to the brotherhood of people "
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Alamos, Sonora, MEXICO
 
A tranquil, colonial city located in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Sonora, Mexico is Alamos. With a population of approximately 12,000, Alamos maintains a charming atmosphere and serene lifestyle. Visitors will enjoy the history of this small silver mining town learning of how Poncho Villa’s influence saved Alamos from destruction in the 1900’s or simply touring one of the many historic mansions that have been restored throughout the years. Whether it is the arts, bird watching or taking in the splendor of Old Mexico, it is sure to be a pleasure to experience Alamos, a National Historic Monument since 2001 and our Sister City since 1971.
 
For current information on Alamos, Mexico go to:  http://www.alamosmexico.com/
 
 
News!! 
 
Plan to join others in a group trip planned by Scottsdale Sister Cities to Alamos for the largest festival in Alamos.  The group will leave on Thursday January 19 and return on Sunday, January 22.  Stay longer if you wish. The main attraction is:
Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado Cultural Festival
Date: January 20 - 28, 2012
Location: Álamos, Mexico
This music festival is dedicated to one of Mexico's most famous opera singers Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, who adorned the stages at the turn of last century. Held in the city of Alamos, the Mexican government helps to fund this international event. Musicians from several genres perform salsa, classical, indigenous and popular music. Most significantly, however, several musicians are invited to perform in collaboration with Sonora's philharmonic orchestra. The festival attracts over 80,000 people each year, and visitors can attend performances as well as lectures, literary gatherings, cinema and street shows. Each year the festival recognizes one musician for their outstanding career and contribution to the world of music. For the musically inclined this cultural festival is an important showcase of Mexican as well as international musical talent.

 
On November 4, 2011 Alamos Mayor Joaquin Navarro and his delegation were welcomed to Scottsdale by Mayor W.J. (Jim) Lane in the City Hall.   The two mayors reaffirmed their commitment to warm and friendly cross border relationships by supporting various exchanges between the citizens of the two sister cities.
Mayor Navarro extended an invitation for a delegation from Scottsdale to visit Alamos and attend their annual Ortiz Tirado Music Festival January 20th – 28, 2012.
 
That evening a celebration dinner was held at the Desert Oasis Dining Room of the Scottsdale Community College included a wonderful Sonoran meal enjoyed by a very diverse audience.  The attendees then participated in the concert by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Sonora with lively Mexican music.   Again the theater audience was highly diverse with families from multiple cultural backgrounds all giving several standing ovations.
 
The delegation visited a fire station observing Scottsdale’s EMS equipment and policies.  Several ideas were exchanged on current procedures for assuring live saving emergency services to citizens.  Means to continue exchanges of information between Scottsdale Fire Chief Garret Olson and Alamos Fire Chief Omar Glendoza were established. 
 
Alamos second grade school teacher Alejandra Zepeda spent the day shadowing teachers at the Spanish immersion program at one of our elementary schools.  Teacher Zepeda found that teaching in the two cities was quite different.   Possible teacher exchanges will be explored.
The '28th Ortiz Tirado Music Festival'  takes place in Alamos January 20 - 28, 2012.  This is  Mexico's top music festival and honors the 'Caruso of Mexico.'  Alamos was the birthplace of Dr. Ortiz Tirado.  See: http://www.festivalortiztirado.gob.mx/English/indexenglish.htm
Now the world's second largest music festival in terms of number of performances and countries represented.  In 2010 there were fourteen countries represented during the nine days of music with three venues in the village.  Dance and other events take place.
 
Here are photos and two video's of classroom experience of teacher Zepeda.