Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, Mexico
Ciudad Obregon is the second-largest city in Sonora, after the state capital of Hermosillo. Its population in the 2010 census was 298,625 people, with the total population of the municipality of Cajeme, of which it is the municipal seat, being 409,310. It is named after General and President Alvaro Obregon, who was born in the nearby municipality of Navojoa and is entombed in Huatabampo.
The city is in Sonora’s Yaqui Valley, named for the predominant ethnic group of indigenous Yoeme Yaqui that dominate the region. It has a proud Yaqui history, traditions and culture.
Originally known as Cajeme, the decree that formed the city government in 1928 declared the city to be Ciudad Obregon. In 1937 the city became the municipal seat of the municipality of Cajeme.
Economy
The local economy is diversifying from a singular agricultural economy of decades ago. Current economic drivers for the city are commercial businesses, agriculture, cattle raising, fishing and aquaculture, and tourism.
Getting Here
Ciudad Obregon is located on Mexico highway 15 and has an extensive network of local highways and roads. Visitors can also book flights to the Ciudad Obregon International Airport, located 15 kilmeters from the city center.
Places to Visit
There are many reasons to visit this major metropolitan city in Southern Sonora, from exploring and learning about the local indigenous culture to enjoying the city’s fabulous cuisine and cultural scene.
Sites of interest in Ciudad Obregon include the Mercado Municipal, a local municipal market with retail spaces and restaurants; the municipal building; the Casa de la Cultura; the Center for Popular Cultures, the Museum of the Yaqui; the Casa Rosalva art gallery and cultural center; and the Modelo “Antonino Fernandez” Cultural Center.
Ciudad Obregon also has several parks and plazas with trees and places to sit and relax as you explore the city’s downtown area.
Visitors can also stroll among the modern buildings on the Sonora Institute of Technology (ITSON) campus and visit the university’s renowned performing arts center, the Dr. Oscar Russo Vogel Theater.
The theater is also known for its beautiful exterior mosaic by renowned Sonoran artist Hector Martinez Arteche. Other public Arteche works of art can be found on the walls of the Cajeme municipal building, other buildings on the ITSON campus and the city library.
The city also offers opportunities to attend and participate in sports activities from watching the hometown team Obregon Yaquis play to enjoying golf or fishing.
Shopping
In addition to stores that sell local goods, Ciudad Obregon also has four shopping centers and various department stores. And if you are in the mood for some warehouse shopping, Obregon has both a Costco and a Sam’s Club.
Medical Tourism
Ciudad Obregon is known as having some of the most advanced doctors and surgical facilities in Mexico, and thousands visit every year for a variety of medical treatments. In addition, there are many excellent Mexican dentists in the city.
Lodging
As you would expect from a modern Mexican city, there are some fabulous lodging options for your stay in Ciudad Obregon.
Events
Because of its strong Yaqui ties, the traditional Easter celebrations are celebrated here from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday (Día de la Pasqua).
In addition to this and other traditional festivals, the Festival of Santa Cruz is celebrated on May 3rd and there is a traditional Yaqui rite of bathing in the waters of the Rio Yaqui on June 24th.
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Dentists
