Let’s do a Guadalajara Q&A.

Our city is like a box of surprises; every day it delights us with something new and unique, true to its personality. Today, we decided to think about and share with you the first things that come to mind when we hear the word Guadalajara.

Mariachi.

Of course, this would be one of the first things that comes to mind when hearing "Guadalajara," as it represents Mexico in its entirety. You can never say no to a good mariachi band, as it is the country's traditional music and a fundamental element of our culture.

It is characterized by its number of musicians, which can range from 4 or 5 and up. The music is performed using string instruments, and the musicians wear charro outfits, sometimes even with hats. Their traditional songs, with folk lyrics, tell stories of battles, love, rural life, heroic deeds, and much more.

Chivas.

Proudly, the city's official soccer team, though not the only one. Interestingly, what you might not know is that their nickname started as a derogatory term. This name emerged many years ago following a newspaper article written by a reporter from the opposing team, who, referring to the players' behavior on the field during a match, wrote: "Look at them, they look like goats!". Now, it is the official name of the team, the Chivas Rayadas del Guadalajara. Go, red-and-whites!

Tequila.

Who doesn't think of tequila and a few good shots when it's time to toast? It is the favorite drink of most Mexicans when it comes to partying. We are fortunate to be located an hour away from the magical town of Tequila, where this traditional Mexican drink was born. In 2006, the agave landscape route that surrounds the entire area was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the Cultural Landscape category, giving rise to the tourism project known as "The Tequila Route." This tour includes visits to historic haciendas and promotes the tequila-making process at distilleries. You can't miss it!  

Gastronomy.

Guadalajara is in a league of its own when it comes to food; it currently ranks twelfth on the global list of cities with the best food, according to TasteAtlas. And why wouldn't it be, when we are the creators of the delicious torta ahogada, pozole, goat birria, ash tamales, bread soup, carne en su jugo, palanqueta, jericalla, capirotada, flan, and traditional refreshing drinks like tejuino, tequila, or fruit punches in flavors like guava, pomegranate, or quince.

As you explore its best food spots, you will find options for every taste, from street taco stands, markets with traditional food, local eateries, and family-run spots, to the country's finest restaurants featuring signature cuisine by renowned Mexican chefs.

Damp earth.

The famous phrase “Guadalajara, you smell of pure damp earth” was popularized in 1930 by Pepe Guízar’s song. It perfectly described what the city smelled like back then: “of cleanliness and early roses,” an aroma that defined it for many years. This is because during the rainy season, the first downpours would release a scent produced when rain hits dry soil, known as “petrichor,” commonly referred to as the smell of damp earth.

Calandrias.

If you have visited our beautiful city, you have surely seen the Calandrias. These traditional, vintage two-wheeled horse-drawn carriages are a must-see. If you haven't experienced them yet, we invite you to take a ride through the Historic Center; you will enjoy the experience, which will transport you back to the 1920s. Although there is no exact record of when this tradition began, it is believed to date back to 1910, when they were used as city transport.

They were distinguished by colored flags: green ones were more affordable and used to transport goods like fruits and vegetables, while blue-flagged carriages cost more, as they were more aesthetic and elegant. The horses pulling these carriages had to have a beautiful coat, and they were reserved for social events like going to the theater, banquets, or parties.

Beautiful eyes and pretty women.

You have surely heard this phrase more than once, as the reputation of Mexico’s most beautiful women is known worldwide. This belief stems from a cultural, social, and historical mix related to the expansion of Spanish and French migrants who settled, above all, in the Altos de Jalisco region, leading to a blend among its inhabitants. Although beauty is subjective and depends on individual perception, the next time you are in Guadalajara, pay attention to the details and let us know what you think.

San Juan de Dios Market.

The San Juan de Dios Market, considered the largest in Latin America since 1958, is a National Artistic Heritage site and an iconic landmark of the city located in the Historic Center. If you are looking for handicrafts, traditional sweets, folk souvenirs, leather goods, or imported clothing, this is the ideal place to explore its more than 3,000 stalls full of variety. You can also simply stop by to eat and try the delicious homemade and regional food of Jalisco.

The City of Roses.

It owes its name to the 1960s, when it gained fame for its elegance and romantic essence. It was known by this name mainly because of the gardens located on its main streets, filled with French-influenced rosebushes brought to Guadalajara to recreate a very European setting, similar to that of the great cities of that continent.

You are surely a fan of several things mentioned in this very "Tapatío" list, and we love that we are known for our qualities and good reputation around the world. Tell us if you already knew these fun facts about the city and which ones you would add.

See you soon! Ciao.