siege1959
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Santa Catarina and San Jose de la Zorra?
Hi all,
A friend and I stumbled across Santa Catarina once about 14 years ago, but we knew nothing about it at the time. We were on a botanical expedition
and only knew that the kids in town seemed to have hidden; they could be seen peeking out from around corners and windows. Anyhow, I'm interested in
going back, as well as to San Jose de la Zorra, for one thing to buy local crafts. I'm not a collector exactly, but some of what I've seen looks
amazing. That, coupled with our old fascination of S. Catarina makes us want to return.
I read about the drug related massacre in S. Catarina about 10 years ago, but does anyone know the general level of problems at either place? Can I
simply show up and expect any sort of welcome, or are we more likely to be greeted with hostility? I know how things work much further south, but
almost nothing about that northern area.
Thanks for any insights.
Chris
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David K
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I see a San Jose de la Zorra near Guadalupe, BCN. However, there are many 'Santa Catarina's in Baja... Is it this one?: http://vivabaja.com/606/page6.html
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siege1959
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Thanks, David, and yes, I believe that's the right SJ de la Zorra, but the S. Catarina I mean is about 50 miles as the crow flies southeast of
Ensenada. On Google Earth it's at about 31-39-26 N and 115-49-42 W, on a road that heads north(ish) off Hwy 3 from Agua Blanca. My understanding is
that both towns are native Indian villages. I believe SJ Zorra has official status as such, but I don't know about S. Catarina.
Is this forum the best way to get info on the advisability of visiting either of these places?
Chris
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David K
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Did you look at the link I posted? That IS the Pai Pai village of Santa Catarina, by the Spanish mission site of Santa Catalina...
From the page I linked above, under one of the photos of the mission site:
The Pai Pai Indian village of Santa Catarina is just over the rise to the right, the cemetery is just below to the left. A running stream is visible a
short distance beyond. The Santa Catalina mission site is about a half mile northwest of the village.
Santa Catarina is about 5 miles from the town of Independencia. Turn northeast off Hwy. 3 at 31°36.71', 115°53.35' (GPS map datum NAD27 Mexico).
Oh, and welcome to Baja Nomad!!
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arbee
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The massacre that you are reffering to took place near Ensenada, and the murdered were Pai Pai Indians from Santa Catarina that got involved in the
drug trade. I have been through Santa Catarina several times, and the people there don't seem to be too keen on strangers.
[Edited on 8-17-2010 by arbee]
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David K
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GPS (WGS 84) of the mission site: GPS: 31°39'38.1" 115°49'16.0"
Google Earth images of all the Baja mission sites (with GPS data): http://vivabaja.com/missions4/
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David K
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| Quote: | Originally posted by siege1959
Is this forum the best way to get info on the advisability of visiting either of these places?
Chris |
YES! Well, at least to pic the brains of fellow Baja travelers or ex-pats or locals on the Internet!
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siege1959
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Sorry, David. I did look at the links but I was thrown by the S. Catalina vs. S. Catarina names. Thanks.
Anyone know if San Jose de la Zorra is more welcoming of strangers than Santa Catarina?
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David K
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The true/ original Spanish name was Santa Catalina... but as in many cases in Mexico, the spelling of a place changes to reflect local
pronunciation... Catalina became 'Catarina'. Another example is Charley's Well which became 'Agua de Chale'!
While some books have mentioned that the Indians of Santa Catarina are hostile to strangers, others I have talked to had no such experience and the
locals were anxious to sell their beautiful pots.
As we traveled through the village to see the mission site, nobody gave us the bad eye... we were there for a bit of time taking photos.
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David K
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Hope someone can tell you about San Jose de la Zorra in Baja Norte ! Otherwise, please post your findings when you return...
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nandopedal
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Greetings to all,
Arbee is right, the local population in Santa Catarina really don't care much for outsiders but from my personal experience it is not the case at San
Jose de la Zorra, the local basket weavers will see you as a potential customer. I was born and raise in Rosarito, very familiar with San Jose so here
is a word of advice if you go, be respectful of the people and their way of living, they are very poor but proud of their heritage, if you feel that
you must take out your camera be sure to ask first if you are pointing anywhere near a person. Have fun!
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siege1959
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Thanks, Nanopedal, that's just what I wanted to hear. And I absolutely understand about being respectful - no issues there.
Re. Santa Catarina, I think I've now heard the same thing from enough different sources that I'll avoid that area.
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