Redruth & Real del Monte
Two Towns,One Story
Celebrating the deep historical and cultural bonds between the mining towns of Redruth, Cornwall, and Real del Monte, Mexico, — forged by Cornish mineworkers in the early 19th century.
Our History
From Cornwall to Mexico
In 1824, the first Cornish mineworkers crossed the Atlantic as employees of the British-financed Real del Monte Mining Company. They formed the first significant Cornish overseas community, high in the Sierra Madre Oriental of the State of Hidalgo. The Cornish introduced high-pressure steam engines, their faith, their sport, and their cuisine to Real del Monte. In Redruth, Spanish was spoken in pubs and shops, as people periodically returned home, and remittances flowed back from the silver mines of Mexico, shaping the identity of both towns forever.
Redruth, Cornwall
Redruth lay at the heart of the Cornish copper mining industry of the early 1800s. It was a crucible of invention, with the first house in the world to be lit by gas. Just down the road, Richard Trevithick was experimenting with high-pressure steam, which would turbo-charge Britain's Industrial Revulotion. This placed Cornwall on the map as a centre of engineering innovation. Many of the mineworkers who migrated to Mexico came from Redruth and district, creating a human bridge between two very different worlds.
Real del Monte, Mexico
The 'Pueblo Mágico', (Magical Town) of Real del Monte — officially known as Mineral del Monte — sits at over 2,700 metres above sea level in the Sierra Madre Oriental. This colonial-era town was home to the first significant Cornish mining community overseas. It celebrated the bicentenary of the arrival of the first group of Cornishmen in 2024. Cornish heritage is visible in its industrial and religious architecture, cuisine, sport, music, and the beautifully maintained 'English Cemetery' overlooking the town, the most important and well-preserved of its kind in Latin America.
The Great Migration
The first group of eight Cornishmen arrived at Real del Monte in June 1824, beginning over a century of migration from Cornwall. Hundreds of Cornish mineworkers and their families settled in Real del Monte, drawn by the promise of steady work in the recovering silver mining industry. They established a closely-knit community based around links of kin, community and faith that would leave an indelible mark on Mexican culture.
Formal Twinning — 2008
Two Towns, One Unbreakable Bond
In 2008 the two towns formally twinned, cementing a friendship that had existed in spirit for nearly two centuries. The twinning association organises regular cultural visits, events, and exchanges to keep this unique bond alive.
Shared Heritage
What Connects Us
The Cornish miners left a remarkable legacy in Real del Monte. From engine houses still standing on the hillsides to the world-famous pasty, the cultural footprint of Cornwall is unmistakable in this small Mexican town.
Cornish Engine Houses
Iconic Cornish-style mine engine houses — built to house the steam engines that drained the silver mines — still dot the landscape around Real del Monte. These structures are a striking reminder of the engineering expertise the Cornish brought to Mexico.
The Paste — Mexico's Cornish Pasty
The Cornish pasty travelled with the miners to Mexico and was adopted and adapted into the 'paste', now a staple street food of Hidalgo state. Annual pasty festivals in both Redruth and Real del Monte celebrate this delicious shared tradition.
Football in Mexico
Cornish miners are credited with introducing football (soccer) to Mexico in the late 19th century, playing matches in Real del Monte as early as 1900. It is claimed to be the site of the first football match played in Mexico.
Read more about Football in Mexico
The English Cemetery
A remarkable Gothic-style cemetery in Real del Monte holds the graves of many Cornish miners and their descendants. Headstones bearing Cornish surnames stand as a poignant testament to those who never returned home.
Visits & Events
Past & Forthcoming Events
The twinning association organises regular visits and cultural events in both Redruth and Real del Monte. Below is a selection of highlights from our history and what's coming up.
Join Us
Become a Member
Help us keep the friendship between Redruth and Real del Monte alive. Members receive updates on events, visits, and the latest news from both towns.
Stay Informed
Receive newsletters and updates about events in both Redruth and Real del Monte.
Join the Visits
Be the first to hear about organised cultural visits and exchange programmes.
Support the Cause
Your membership helps fund events, exchanges, and the work of the association.
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Have a question about the twinning association, upcoming events, or how to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.