Jalisco: The Most Mexican Region Of Mexico
Traditional dance, mariachis, the charro (or Mexican cowboy)
, tequila, distinctive cuisine, a lively plaza in the center of town, open-air markets, historic churches, remnants of colonial timesall of these cultural elements come together to make the State of Jalisco (and in particular the capital city of Guadalajara) more Mexican than Mexico itself.
Jalisco is also known for its colorful history, indigenous peoples, mountainous landscape, modern cities, sleepy towns and gorgeous coastline that is one of the worlds most popular resort areas.
For most, a visit to Jalisco begins and ends with a vacation to the Pacific Ocean tropical paradise centered around Puerto Vallarta. Located in the midst of the Bay of Banderas, a 22-kilometer expanse which makes it the 7th largest bay in the world and the 2nd largest in the Americas, Puerto Vallarta is a tropical Eden of palm trees, sandy beaches and warm, ocean breezes. What really charms visitors is Vallartas unique blending of a vintage, cobblestoned, Mexican town with modern boulevards, shopping malls and world-class hotel resorts and amenities.
Moving inland from the coast, requires entering the state of Nayarit and passing through the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain chain. There are several interesting sights to explore along the way. Ixtlan del Rio, Nayarit, originally part of the Ahuacatlan region of Jalisco, is not only a perfect example of a typical rural Mexican town but beyond its limits is an archaeological site known as Los Toriles. These ruins represent a society which flourished from about 700-1200 A.D. and include foundations and reconstructed buildings, such as the round-shaped Temple of Quetzalcuatl.
Upon crossing the border back into Jalisco, fields of distinctive blue agave plants are reminders of Jaliscos best-known export, tequila. A visit to the town of Tequila, from which the name of the drink originated, provides an opportunity to sample the liquid first-hand at one of 11 factories. Tours of distilleries such as Sauza, demonstrate how the planting, harvesting and distilling of tequila is performed.
To know the real heart of Jalisco, a visit to the capital city of Guadalajara is a must. Situated on a mile-high plain, Mexicos second largest city is renowned for having the best climate in North America with dry, mild weather virtually year-round.
Centered around an awe-inspiring cathedral, Guadalajara boasts a large downtown area of spectacular colonial buildings, plazas, fountains and monuments. A 30-block area known as the Centro Historico includes many edifices constructed during the 16th century and has been declared a cultural sanctuary.
At the far end of the Plaza de la Federacion behind the cathedral is a magnificent 19th-century building, the Teatro Degollado where the ballet folklorico, an extravaganza of Mexican traditional dance is presented as well as the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra.
Carrying on further behind the theater is the Plaza Tapatia, actually a series of multi-leveled pedestrian-only plazas filled with fountains and lined with shops and restaurants. At the bottom end of the Plaza Tapatia is another historic colonial building, the Hospicio de Cabaas. A former orphanage this building takes its name from the founder, Bishop Juan Ruiz de Cabaas y Crespo. Today the building serves as a venue for the art of Jose Clemente Orozco including all of the murals painted on the buildings walls and ceilings. Considered his best work, The Man of Fire can be seen in the dome.
Nearby is the largest covered market in the Americas, the Mercado Libertad, also known as the San Juan market because of an adjacent church. Here there is an abundance of fruits and vegetables and handcrafts from all over the state of Jalisco.
Moving west of the Centro Historico, more modern plazas and stores can be found throughout this part of city, which also is home to the University of Guadalajara. Located near the universitys principal campus is a grand neo-gothic church patterned after the cathedral of Orvieto, Italy, called the Templo Expiatorio or Temple of Atonement. Commenced in 1897, one of its primary designers was Adamo Borari, the same Italian architect responsible for the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.
Located in the suburban north sector of Guadalajara there is an icon of this region known as the Virgin of Zapopan. A basilica facing Zapopans Plaza de las Americas houses the 10 inch figure which is said to bring about miracles such as the curing of an epidemic in the 18th century. Each year on the 12th of October, the virgin, having been shared amongst the 130 parishes within the Guadalajara metropolitan area for several weeks, is returned to the basilica in a massive procession.
Also in the northern district of Guadalajara is one of the largest zoos in Latin America. The zoo houses over 2,200 animals and 360 species. It features a Herpetarium, the Australian village and a display of animals of the Rainforest as well as an Aquarium with over 95 species of fish and other aquatic creatures including 3 species of sharks. A safari tour in a special open-air shuttle vehicle affords up-close-and-personal encounters with African animals such as giraffes.
From a vantage point within the zoos confines, one of the regions great natural wonders can be viewed, the Barranca Huentitln de Oblatos. At 600 meters deep, this canyon rivals Mexicos famous Copper Canyon in depth.
To view a multitude of handicrafts and even artisans at work, a visit to the eastern and southern suburbs of Tonala or Tlaquepaque will be a delight. Tlaquepaques plaza and arcades bustle with activity and some of the Mexicos most original modern artists have galleries here.
While in Jalisco there are many opportunities to experience authentic Mexican culture and traditions such as the bullfight and the charreada (or Mexican rodeo). While bullfighting was adopted from Spain, the charreada is regarded as the only truly Mexican sport. In weekly extravaganzas known as the jaripeo, a series of competitions unfold ranging from bronco and bull-riding to roping demonstrations.
Of course a visit to Jalisco would not be complete without experiencing some of Mexicos famous folklore in the form of traditional dance or mariachi music.
Forty-eight kilometers south of Jaliscos capital Guadalajara, is Mexicos largest lake. The shallow Lake Chapala has attracted over 100,000 people to live in the wind-protected, perfect climate along its northern shores, in villages such us Jacotepec, Ajijic and the town of Chapala itself. Many of these residents are ex-patriot American and Canadian retirees who call this region home. For those wanting to get out onto the waters of Lake Chapala there are boats that can be rented at the pier for visits to nearby islands such as Isla de Alacranes.
In the south of Jalisco, 28 kilometers from Lake Chapala, is a place described as the Switzerland of Mexico. Mazamitla, located in the cool, pine-treed, mountain altitudes, entices visitors to make the one-and-a-half hour drive from Guadalajara, to rent a cabin or chalet for some quiet relaxation. Here, refreshing walks or horseback rides can be taken from the Monteverde resort area just outside of Mazamitla to catch a glimpse of the 30-meter tall Los Cazos waterfall.
Whether it is the music, dance, art, architecture, climate, landscape, food and drink or vibrant people, Jalisco has an enchantment all its own. Uniquely Mexican in every way, it is an unforgettable experience getting to know all that this beautiful part of Mexico has to offer.
by: Peter Knight
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