The lasting influence of Nevada’s Michoacán immigrants

Immigrants from Michoacán, México, have brought culture and food to Nevada since the 1930s. Learn about their history, culture, and indelible mark on the Silver State. 

While the Gold Rush triggered the immigration of Basques from Spain in the 19th century, the creation of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s set off another wave of immigration—this time from México. 

Today, nearly 600,000 Nevada residents—that’s one out of five people—are immigrants, and 40 percent are from Mexico, according to NPR. These immigrants have a tremendous influence on Nevada. 

About Michoacán, México

While Nevada sees immigration from all 31 states of the Federal Entities of Mexico, the state of Michoacán is one of the top sources, accounting for 13 percent of the country’s immigrants. 

Michoacán, officially the Estado Libre y Soberano de Michoacán de Ocampo, is a state along the Pacific coastline in western Mexico. Mexico’s ninth most populous state, its emigres come from regions including Pátzcuaro, Turicato, Purúandiro, Tacámbaro, Morelia, Uruapan, Curupo, Santa Clara de los Reyes, and Apatzingán.

Also known as the Land of Lakes and Fishermen, Michoacán has a rich and varied culture, especially its art, architecture, and cuisine. The state is also known for its abundance of natural resources, making it one of the country’s main producers of agricultural products. Not only is Michoacán Mexico’s largest importer of avocados, but it’s also the carnitas capital of the world. 

Another fun fact: Between October and March, nearly 20 million monarch butterflies migrate here, turning the green forest orange and black.

Organizing the Mexican community

Mexican immigrants in Nevada, including those from Michoacán, started organizing in 2000, according to the Online Nevada Encyclopedia. The goal was to unite the community, help immigrants, and celebrate Mexican culture. 

In Las Vegas, the Mexican Patriotic Committee was one of the state’s first Mexican civic organizations, sponsoring festivities for special occasions like Mexican Independence Day, Dia de las Muertas, and Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Meanwhile, the Mexican Consulate helps immigrants acclimate to life in the Silver State while also addressing the needs of their families and communities back home. The consulate provides protection and assistance with immigration, human rights, emergencies, educational opportunities, health guidance, criminal, administrative, work, and family matters. It also offers a mobile consulate that travels the state to help Mexican immigrant communities.

The influence of Michoacán food

One of the most obvious ways Michoacán immigrants share their culture in Nevada is through food. Many of the family-owned restaurants throughout the state were started by immigrants.

Turicato, Michoacán emigre Javier Barajas was a pioneer among his family when he immigrated to the U.S. to pursue his American Dream. He learned to cook at a seminary in his home state. Today, he brings his recipes and cultural traditions to Lindo Michoacán in Southern Nevada as chef and owner. Originally a small 12-table cantina, the restaurant now has four properties serving hundreds of people daily in Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson. 

“In Mexico, they say, ‘If you want good food, go to Michoacán,’” writes Barajas on the restaurant’s website. “In Las Vegas, we say, ‘If you want good food, come to Lindo Michoacán.’”

In addition to its large dining rooms, the restaurant has a full-service bar with gaming and a happy hour. The Henderson location is particularly picturesque, proudly perched atop a hill overlooking the Las Vegas Valley.

Barajas was eventually joined in Las Vegas by his brothers and sister. His growing extended family now owns many restaurants in Las Vegas, including Bonito Michoacán and Viva Zapatas. 

Photo courtesy of Ted McGrath/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Some other Michoacán spots to visit for Mexican food, snacks, and desserts include:

• La Bonita De Michoacán, Las Vegas
• La Flor De Michoacán, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas
• La Real De Michoacán, Henderson
• Paletas y Helados de Michoacán, North Las Vegas
• La Michoacana Premier Ice Cream and Crepes, Las Vegas

In Reno, Mari Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen (originally Fresh Mex) was founded nearly 25 years ago by Michoacán-born and Reno-raised Jesus “Chuy” Gutierrez and his wife, Maria. Together, they make up the restaurant’s name. 

Known for its Mexican food and margaritas, Mari Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen has four Northern Nevada locations—each with its own unique flair. The first restaurant is located in Midtown Reno, the second location is in the heart of Downtown Sparks, the third is in South Reno, and the fourth is at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.

Other Michoacán restaurants, snack shops, and ice cream parlors worth visiting in Northern Nevada include:

• La Michoacana, Reno
• La Michoacana Plus, Sparks
• Paleteria La Michoacana #1, Reno
• Paleteria La Michoacana #2, Sparks

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.