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General Information about Caborca
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Summer 2006
Caborca is a town with approximately 85,000 inhabitants (including the metropolitan
area and its coastal areas) in the Northwestern part of the Mexican state of Sonora
(click here to see a map). Although it is located in a region of high Sonoran desert
that straddles the United States and Mexico, thanks to irrigation and natural wells
Caborca has a strong agricultural base of products, mainly asparagus in the winter
and grapes in the summer. In addition, much of Caborca's economy is supported by
the sale of prime beef that is raised in the area and various local industries.
Caborca has a very long and interesting history (it was founded in the late 1600's) as
well as a depth of cultural richness from its many inhabitants and their backgrounds,
from members of local indigenous groups such as Yaqui, Seri and Papago (also known
in the U.S. as Tohono O'Odham). In addition, many of Caborca's citizens have come
from other Mexican states to work and live here. In many ways Caborca represents a
traditional Mexican community, although because of its close proximity to the U.S. the
pueblo also has strong ties to the region north of the border (also known as "el otro
lado," or "the other side").
In addition to providing a chance to become acquainted with the very friendly
residents of this pueblo, Caborca offers a variety of interesting things to see and do,
and of course, to buy.
History
Christened in 1692 by Father Francisco Kino as "The Conception of Our Lady of
Caborca," the town is now known as Heroica Caborca. The word "heroic" was added
to its name by the federal government to recognize the efforts of its citizens in
defending an incursion by American ranchers in 1857. Read more.
Geography and Climate
Caborca is nestled among hills in high Sonoran desert scenery. With moderate winter
and spring temperatures, the temperatures climb above triple-digits in May and stay
there until October or November. Because it has a very dry climate, strong winds can
bring localized dust storms as well as "dust devils," localized plumes of swirling dust
that resemble tornadoes, often reaching over 100 feet into the air. They're harmless,
but provide an interesting sight when driving in the area.
Although rain is rare, when it happens it can bring a sudden deluge that causes brief
localized flooding. Like Arizona, the area also has a monsoon season in late summer
that brings higher humidity and frequent dust storms or rain showers.
This time of year Caborca is a very hot and dusty place, with average summer temperatures
averaging over 100 degrees. The rest of the year though, it enjoys a very temperate climate.
Seasonal average temperatures are:
Spring - 90 degrees F
Summer - 100 degrees F
Fall - 72 degrees F
Winter - 64 degrees F
Inhabitants
The 2000 census listed 69,516 inhabitants. The population grew at an annual rate of
6 percent between 1990 and 2000, so if that rate has continued the population would
be nearing 100,000 citizens.
Education
In addition to the public and private schools offering a k-12 education, Caborca is the
site of a University of Sonora campus and a campus of Conalep, a post-secondary
technical institute.
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