San Nicolás de los Garza
San Nicolás de los Garza, often simply called San Nicolás, is situated in the state of Nuevo León. It is part of the Monterrey Metropolitan Area, one of Mexico’s largest and most economically significant urban regions.
Its proximity to the USA border makes it a crucial hub for trade and commerce.
The city’s landscape is characterized by a mix of urban development and natural beauty. San Nicolás boasts a diverse topography, with the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range to the south and the flat plains to the north.
Santa Catarina River flows through the city, providing both recreational spaces and a source of water for the community.
In terms of the environment, San Nicolás has been making efforts to promote sustainability. Green spaces, parks, and tree-lined streets are common throughout the city, offering residents and visitors a breath of fresh air amidst the urban sprawl.
Weather and Climate
San Nicolás de los Garza experiences a subtropical climate, which means it has distinct seasons.
- Summers tend to be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the high 30s°C.
- Winters are milder, with daytime temperatures averaging around 20°C, but nights can be cooler.
Rainfall is highest during the summer months, so be prepared for occasional thunderstorms if you visit San Nicolás de los Garza during this time. The dry season in this region typically falls between November and April.
The best time to visit
The ideal time to explore this region is during the winter months, from November to April.
The weather is more pleasant for outdoor activities, and you can enjoy the city’s parks and cultural attractions without the sweltering heat of summer. This period is also less prone to heavy rainfall.
Additionally, if you’re interested in local festivities, consider visiting during the city’s annual Feria de San Nicolás, which usually takes place in September. This celebration showcases the rich culture and traditions of the region.
Origin of the name
San Nicolás de los Garza was founded on 5 February 1597.
- The city was given the name Estancia de Pedro de la Garza.
- Later, the city was renamed Estancia de San Nicolas.
- And finally, it received the name Estancia de San Nicolas de los Garza.
History & Timeline
The first people that inhabited this area were Amerindians, mostly nomads.
San Nicolás was founded right after Monterrey, when Diego de Montemayor granted permission to inhabit the area to his secretary, Diego Díaz de Berlanga; Pedro de Iñigo; Domingo Manuel; and D. Pedro de la Garza.
The members of these families are considered the first settlers of the city. Diego Díaz de Berlanga was the person who redacted Monterrey’s Foundation Act and authorized the first land permissions to its first settlers.
In 1830 the area was declared to the category of village, with the name of San Nicolás de los Garza, in honor of the patron saint of the town. On 12 May 1970, it was declared a city.
In the 1970s, San Nicolás increased its reputation as a good place to live, and the municipality experienced a tide of house construction. This house construction boom was possible because there was a lot of land available within the territory of the city.
In the 1980s several industrial facilities moved to other municipalities, mainly to Apodaca, which is still within the Monterrey Metropolitan Area, but farther from downtown.
At the end of the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s, huge commercial centers or malls were constructed to serve the large population. The first economic activity became commerce instead of industrial production.
The most important malls are La Fe (east), Citadel (east), Las Plazas Outlet (northwest), Plaza Fiesta Anahuac (south), Sendero (North), and Universidad Avenue. The city has several commercial centers in construction.
Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
It houses the Autonomous University of Nuevo León – UANL – one of the most prestigious public schools in Mexico and Latin America. The main campus of the UANL is located in this municipality.
This university is the third largest Mexican university and is among the most recognized schools in Mexico, ranked by the Reader’s Digest-AC Nielsen Survey 2005 as the top university (both public and private) in the northeast region of Mexico.
The UANL system comprises 26 colleges, 22 post-graduate divisions, 24 high schools (throughout the metropolitan area of Monterrey), 1 center of bilingual education, and 3 technical high schools.
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