Monumento al Burro (Monument to the Donkey)

With the core city of Pachuca being located in a valley, many of its outskirts have grown up the surrounding hills and mountains, offering great views. One of these outskirts is home to a peculiar monument.

Atop a white plinth, sits a concrete animal. Although it may not be the most accurate of representations, this is a donkey, carrying bundles of what appears to be wood on its back. Painted white with accents in other colors, this donkey’s look is far removed from the stereotypical metallic patina one would expect of many other monuments.

A plaque dated to March 2003 (sadly gone from the monument as of early 2023), explained that this was a tribute from the farming Arellano Gutiérrez family, “in recognition of the donkey, a noble animal at the service of human beings, bulwark of Mexican agriculture and commerce.” Apparently, this made it the first monument in the state of Hidalgo dedicated solely to an animal.

In addition to the monument itself, small gardens were established nearby. These gardens have free-to-use workout equipment, making this space not only a moving homage but also a nice place to exercise, pass the time, and enjoy the view.