The city of Zacatecas was a mining center before the Spanish came to the region in 1548. The Spanish town was named after the silver mines in the area, which produced one-fifth of the world's silver during the colonial era. Today, Zacatecas serves as a commercial center for the surrounding agricultural hinterland, which produces wheat, corn, livestock, and other products. It is also a center for light manufactures, such as clothing and motor vehicle components.
In the Colonial Center, tourists can find several notable structures. Plaza de Armas is the town's central plaza. The government palace, the Residencia de Gobernadores, and the Palacio de la Mala Noche, the bad night palace, are also located here. Another important landmark is the former marketplace, the Mercado Gonzalez Ortega. This has been converted into a thriving shopping district with several restaurants.
The population of Zacatecas is diverse. While the majority of residents are ejidatarios, there are a large number of landless poor men engaged in stone-mining, elderly women, and those who do not practice stone-mining. Many of these individuals also lack access to the resources necessary to produce a viable income from their lands. However, many of these people are proud of their culture, and they celebrate it by holding an International Culture Festival during Holy Week. This week-long fiesta includes street performances and music.