Archive October 2011

The Silver Trail Continues

October 18, 2011

The annual Silver Trail re-enactment from Batopilas to Chihuahua is underway and set to terminate in Chihuahua City this Friday the 21st as the arrieros deliver their mule train load of silver bars to Mr. Shepherd at the bank. This re-enactment is a dangerous undertaking and not to be taken lightly as mule skinners (arrieros) ride out along a treacherous 13 day journey from Batopilas to Chihuahua along the old silver trail route that stops at various ‘stations’ to resupply and allow the riders to rest. The riders take great pride in this ride and try to maintain the original flavor of what would have been experienced in the 16th century. 8 municipalities cooperate in this event in order to provide the meals and care necessary at each station along the way for the riders and mules. The silver bars are carried by mules through most of the ride and then transferred onto wagons, as they would have been back in the 16th century, to be driven the rest of the way into Chihuahua. A great celebration is had in Chihuahua City when the ‘silver bars’ are given over to the bank and an actor playing Mr. Shepherd gives a speech as well. Ivan Fernandez, the Director of Tourist Development in Batopilas, has been instrumental in not only the staging, promotion and photography of this annual event,  but also in working with the State Congress of Chihuahua to acknowledge the Arrieros and this in-depth part of the history of Chihuahua. The Congress of Chihuahua voted in favor of the declaration of The Silver Trail as an official ‘Cultural Heritage of the State Chihuahua’ on October 13th, 2011. For the article in Spanish, please follow this link. Here is another article. Please follow this link.