Culture

The former capital of New Galicia rises up majestically over the Valle de Atemajac. Guadalajara represents the essence of Mexicanness: traditional, conservative ideas imbued with the spirit of its nearly 500 years of history expressed in a contemporary, cosmopolitan city. The capital of the state of Jalisco, with the second largest population in Mexico, is the place of residence of an industrious, friendly people that have striven to build one of the most attractive, comfortable and richest cities in Latin America.                           

Guadalajara, set in a fertile valley in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental enjoys an exceptional year-round climate together with the benefits of one of the country’s largest hydrological networks. The wealth of this city, which has always played a key role in Mexican history, is evident in the strength of its manufacturing industry, which mainly produces consumer goods, and its intense cultural life.       

 The boost that this city received with the mandate of Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán for its foundation on January 5 1532 gave it an edge that has lasted until the present. It was raised to the status of a city as early as 1542. The University of Guadalajara and the first printing press were both founded in 1792, a fact that would mark the course of science and culture in the Jalisco capital. A few years later, in 1805, construction began on what is now the Hospicio Cabañas. The War of Independence, the ups and downs of the Reform, the revolutionary outburst of 1910 and the Cristero rebellion were passionately experienced by this city.      

 The Guadalajara of today, together with three other municipalities that warrant special mention in themselves –Zapopan, Tlaquepaque and Tonalá, is a large city with enormous avenues, impressive monuments, dozens of squares overflowing with trees and plants, colorful markets, crowded malls and a continuous sense of activity reflected in the dozens of people strolling up and down the wide pavements and pedestrian precincts. At every step, there is a place to stop and enjoy this city which appears to have been drawn by hand.                            

 Unlike other cities with more specific features, Guadalajara is an urban complex that offers visitors a variety of options for their enjoyment. It boasts everything from museums that reflect Mexico’s diversity; districts that have managed to preserve the flavor of tradition; monuments and buildings that lend each part of the city its distinctive atmosphere; districts that house several nationalities, linked by the growth of the city to parks that encourage contact with nature, in short, all the benefits and comforts of a modern, elegant, functional city.