Caracuaro

Carácuaro lies in the hot country of southern Michoacán, in the valleys leading toward the Balsas. Its church became closely associated with José María Morelos, who served the parish before becoming one of the leaders of the Mexican independence movement. The town was also home to a venerated image of the crucified Christ, brought here during the establishment of a mission in the sixteenth century.

Morelos took charge of Carácuaro and neighbouring Nocupétaro in 1799. In 1810 he left to meet Miguel Hidalgo after learning of the uprising against Spanish rule. Hidalgo entrusted him with raising forces in the southern coastal country; Morelos returned to Carácuaro and assembled a small armed group of followers before beginning his first campaign toward the Pacific coast.