Morelia, Michoacán, Mexico
Establishing a Sister-City Relationship: a Community Delegation
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania adopted Morelia, Michoacán as a sister-city in 2004. The move was made based on recommendations from the local Latino community, many of whom moved to Gettysburg and Adams County from the state from Michoacán to seek new lives in this community. Our local Mexican population seeks to maintain family and community connections and educate others about their heritage, culture and life in their homeland.
Project Gettysburg-Leon (PGL), an organization that facilitates another sister-city relationship between Gettysburg and León, Nicaragua, has existed since 1986. PGL was formed with the purpose of cultivating better intercultural understanding between the two cities. Over the years, PGL has hosted numerous delegations between the two cities, with Nicaraguans coming to Adams County and groups from Gettysburg traveling and sometimes working in León, Nicaragua, including many Gettysburg College students who have been part of group visits and individual internships.
With an increased interest in expanding the work of PGL and due to the strong connection that many in this community have with Michoacán, Gettysburg is sending a delegation to Morelia to explore the possibility of making our sister-city relationship mutual and one that goes beyond text on a website.
Students will be exploring and supporting the establishment of a sister-city relationship alongside young Latinx professionals and community members in Adams County.
Sample Itinerary
| Day | Sample Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Travel to Morelia | Welcome and orientation from hosts Health and Safety |
| Day 2: Historic Center of Morelia |
Tour the heart of the historic center, it's Cathedral and surrounding plazas. Participate in cultural activities at surrounding plazas. |
| Day 3-4: Latin American University (UNLA) |
Learn about UNLA's community development initiatives. Travel to rural communities to support community identified needs. |
|
Day 5: Michoacán Cuisine |
Keeping the Purépecha Tradition Alive: a conversation about the fusion of indigenous Purépecha cuisine and history. Travel to the lakeside city of Patzcuaro. |
| Day 6: Casa de la Cultura |
Arts workshop at Casa de la Cultura Conversation with Tourism Secretary |
| Day 7: Butterfly Sanctuary | Visit the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site |
| Day 8: Reflection and Farewell | Final reflection and cena de despedida (farewell dinner) |
| Day 8: Travel to Gettysburg | Return travel to Gettysburg |
Contact Us
Email cps@gettysburg.edu or call 717-337-6490.