Upheld by many as the most Mexican of Mexican cities, Guadalajara indeed serves its visitors an ample supply of original cuisine, music, libations, festivities and even clothing. From mariachis to charreadas, tequila to sombreros, this city is a leader in culture, arts, tradition and business in Mexico.
But beneath the tourist-friendly surface of Guadalajara lies a rich history of tribal peoples, revolution, and cultural and urban development. A modern, complex city of two million people has emerged from the contributions of its manifold influences. Today Guadalajara is the thriving business, industrial and technological hub of western Mexico.
History
Guadalajara was founded in 1542 by a small group of Spanish settlers, led by Captain Oñate, who were looking for the ideal home near water and without too much interference from local indigenous tribes. After three failed attempts at other locations, the final settlement, and current Guadalajara, was clearly the right choice.
The city's population expanded and it quickly became one of the most important cities in Mexico. In 1810, Miguel Hidalgo set up a short lived, but important, revolutionary government in the city shortly before his execution. The city also played a major role in the War of the Reform in the late 1850s.
Highlights
Mariachi Festival
Guadalajara holds its world famous Mariachi Festival. Musicians come from around the world to listen, audition, compete, perform, and ultimately to win over the hearts of their listeners. Performances take place on the street, in plazas, in minor venues, and fine theaters. Teatro Degollado will show the most classical of the performers, while other clubs feature auditions, soloists, and different styles of Mariachi.
What to see
Listed below are just some highlights of things to see in Guadalajara.
Cathedral
Guadalajara's cathedral encompasses a variety of architectural styles that have come together to form a spectacular structure spanning an entire city block. It was constructed between 1558 and 1618, and the interior wasn't finished until many years later. The two distinctive towers were erected in 1848, replacing the originals that were destroyed in an earthquake in 1818. Inside you'll see a variety of architectural styles, murals, altars and vaults, all making a visit worthwhile. Take a look at La Asunción de la Virgen if you have a chance.
Cabañas Cultural Instituto
This cultural and art gallery has had quite a colorful past. Built in 1810 by Spanish architect Manuel Tolsá, it was an orphanage for 150 years housing up to 3000 children, and also served as an insane asylum and a jail. In the mid-1900s José Clemente Orozco filled the main chapel with 40 intense frescos throughout the building. One of his most famous murals, "Man of Fire", was painted in 1938-9 and looks down from the central cupola of the chapel.
Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres
In a pleasant, green park just north of the cathedral (Av. 16 de Septiembre, Zona Centro) is the Rotonda de Los Hombres Ilustres, or Circle of Illustrious Men. These marble columns were built in 1952, and are surrounded by 19 bronze statues of Guadalajara's favorite men of the arts, science and literature, and under the rotunda are the urns of 98 men - all of whom made the city a better place through improvements in arts, science, education, human rights, law and politics.
The statues include dedications to the lawyer Ignacio Vallarta, the scientist Leonardo Oliva, the poet Enrique González Martinez, the composer Clemente Aguirre, the architect Jacobo Gálvez, the General Manuel M. Dieguez and the painter José Clemente Orozco.
Teatro Degollado
In between the cathedral and Plaza Tapatía sits Teatro Degollado, a neoclassical structure built in the mid 1800s. Inside you'll see a mural by Gerardo Suárez based on "The Divine Comedy" by Dante. Many of the Mariachi concerts will take place in this theater, featuring some of the most famous performers in the world.
Ballet Folclórico
Possibly the finest dance company of its kind in Mexico, the Ballet Folclórico de la Universidad de Guadalajara performs traditional Mexican and Jalisco dances every Sunday night at Teatro Degollado. Based at the University of Guadalajara, this group has performed around the world for four decades.
Parque Agua Azul
Close to the city center, Parque Agua Azul, or Blue Water Park, is a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle. Surrounded by gardens, trees and flowers, the park is popular for morning exercisers and walkers. There is an aviary, paths, a restaurant, soccer fields and a beautiful seasonal orchid collection.
While you are in the area, Museo de Arqueologia del Occidente de Mexico (across Independencia) has a fine collection of pottery from neighboring states, as well as an assortment of other pre-Hispanic artifacts.
Zoo
The Guadalajara Zoo (Paseo del Zoologico, 600) is an easy drive, bus or taxi ride north on Calz. Independencia. The Zoo is dedicated to education, preservation, local ecology and the family. A walk through the well-designed zoo takes you by organized exhibits of a large variety of animals, as well as special presentations. There is also a tram ride that covers the whole park.
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