Mier is the oldest of the Mexican towns located near the border with the United States. In December 2007, it was declared a "magical town" because of its majestic colonial church, its "house of beans", its dam with pristine water and its historical richness. However, three years later it became a ghost town.

The inhabitants fled because of the daily shootings between the Zetas and the Gulf Cartel in 2010. Gunmen destroyed everything, set fire to the commander's office and looted the town. The monument located at the entrance of the town is dotted with gunshots, while the kiosk from Porfirio Diaz era and the Purisima Conception church were also damaged.

At present, 83 Mexican cities are classified as "magical towns", but some of them have been scarred by crime. Others are trying to fight peddlers, lack public services or have an inadequate infrastructure.

Michoacan, the state with the largest number of magical towns, faces an insecurity problem and the advance of self-defense forces.

In Mexico, magic is everywhere, in its temples, cobblestone alleys, legends, handicrafts, celebrations, gastronomy, dance, ancestral rites and exuberant nature.

That is why the Ministry of Tourism created the "magical town" program for cities located near tourist places with special legends and historical value, an adequate offer of tourist, health and security services and a program to reorder peddlers, among other requirements.

In 2013 the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Anahuac University and other organizations submitted a study about the performance of several tourist attractions, among them the first 35 cities that were classified as "magical towns". 

Some of the weaknesses that were detected were an inefficient road infrastructure, insecurity, lack of natural or cultural attractions, inadequate cleanliness or services (hotel, restaurants, mobile network, toilets, parking lots, public transportation, etc.)

Francisco Madrid, director of the project, said that even though some rules need to be revised, tourists that have visited the 35 cities are satisfied.

However, others disagree.

In the last month of the past administration (November 2012) the Ministry of Tourism named 18 "magical towns", more than any other year. In 2012, 34 cities were classified as magical towns.

Francisco Madrid, director of the School of Tourism and Gastronomy of Anahuac University, considers that this rushed effort was due to political reasons. "This was irresponsible from the previous administration. Conditions need to be revised before proceeding," he concluded.

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