Guadalajara

In the XIX century, there were uprisings and revolts in Guadalajara. The city was ruled by the Spaniards, the Mexicans, and the French. In 1866, the Mexicans came to power here. 

The end of the XIX century brought economic development to the city. This was facilitated by the construction of railroads to the United States and the sea coast.

In the second half of the XX century, the population of Guadalajara increased significantly, thanks to a massive influx of villagers.

The new millennium was a period of economic recovery for the city. This has also affected the tourist attractiveness of Guadalajara. More and more travelers visit this beautiful city, an authentic center of Mexican culture and tradition.

Fans of colorful Mexican culture come to the city at the end of August for the International Mariachi Festival. A bright symbol of Mexico, the mariachi performers, is an inseparable part of Mexican life. These musicians, dressed in picturesque costumes and wide-brimmed sombrero hats, perform folk songs at all festivals and memorial ceremonies. The Mariachi Festival brings together tens of thousands of folk musicians who perform in front of an admired audience. The festival is accompanied by dances, magical performances, and local tequila.

In early November, Guadalajara hosts one of the most colorful celebrations in the world, the Day of the Dead. At this time, the city seems to dive into the Middle Ages. People in skeleton costumes with painted faces can be seen on all streets. They hold ancient rituals symbolizing sacrifice. Even festive treats are baked in the form of loaves with dough strips on top, which resemble bones. And all these terrifying processes are accompanied by music and fun.

• Admire the Palacio de Gobierno mansion. A chic two-story building from the middle of the XVIII century is in the luxurious Baroque style. The exuberant decoration of the facade includes a local stone in the color of dull gold. The main entrance is embellished with a small elegant tower with an antique clock. Inside, you can see unique ceiling paintings of the famous Mexican artist J. C. Orozco. It was in this mansion that the decree to abolish slavery in Mexico was signed.
• Marvel at the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan. The majestic temple was founded at the end of the XVII century. Since then, it has been reconstructed and rebuilt many times. This explains the intertwining in its architecture of three styles — Gothic, Moorish, and Neoclassical. This blending gave the missing lightness to the initially strict lines of the temple. The main values of the basilica are the statue of the Virgin Zapopan XVI century, artworks of famous masters V. Acuña and J. Cabañas.
• Get acquainted with the exhibits of the Regional Museum, located in the former monastery building of the XVIII century. The two-story building in the colonial style contains unique exhibits that tell the history of the region. There are 14 halls in the museum. The most popular of them are devoted to archeology, paleontology, history, ethnography. On the second floor, there are collections of paintings of famous artists of XVII - XX centuries.
• Take a walk in Colomos Park. Here you can see the trees and other plants that had been common on this land before the city appeared. The authorities have preserved a piece of pristine nature in the heart of Guadalajara. There is also a beautiful Japanese garden with a pond, jogging paths, and fitness grounds.
• Take a tour of the tequila factory. The exotic Tequila Express train runs here from the downtown area. The tour includes visits to old and working factories, and tasting of the famous beverage. This production is known for the fact that only traditional raw materials and ancient methods of tequila production are used here. There are no complicated mechanisms in the workshops, and the whole process is done manually. The factory has a shop where you can buy the original tequila.
• Drop by the Corona market. Here you can feel the atmosphere of traditional Mexico. It is located in the city center and attracts tourists with incredible flavor and variety of products. Take a look at the elaborate ceramics and local souvenirs. Dive into the scents of flowers, fruits, spices, and medicinal herbs that abound on the counters.
• Try the local cuisine. Order tacos al pastor (corn tortilla with thin slices of roasted pork with seasonings), enchilada (corn tortilla with different fillings), elote (boiled corn with sour cream, mayonnaise, lime, and chili). For dessert, try Mexican cupcakes, buns, and hot chocolate.