A little bit about SAN PEDRO TLAQUEPAQUE
Tlaquepaque, a magical town; has a great story to tell since there were already inhabitants since pre-Hispanic times: It is known that when the first Spanish colonizers arrived, Tlaquepaque belonged to the Kingdom of Tonalá, which was governed by Queen Cihualpilli.
During the sixteenth century (1501-1600) there were very few inhabitants and all were indigenous, in addition to the fact that the population decreased due to epidemics, and at least by the year 1600 there were only approximately 100 inhabitants
Already during the colony, construction began on some of its most important buildings, such as the two temples, the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, and the Parish dedicated to the Patron Saint of the Town, San Pedro, who was named after Fray Antonio de Segovia, for what its current name San Pedro Tlaquepaque, is the union of the name of its Patron Saint with its pre-Hispanic name “Tlaquepaque” that its most literal translation is “Place on lomas de Barro”
Its first mansions were built in the second half of the 18th century (1750-1800) and the first Spaniards began to build their summer houses. But it is already the 19th century (1801-1900) when several important events occur, among them that on June 13, 1821, General Pedro Celestino Negrete signs the adherence to the equal plan, which he adds to the consummation of the independence. Also during the Reform wars, asylum was given to many inhabitants of Guadalajara, who suffered the siege of the city.
Also in this century, several important buildings were built, such as the Parían and El Refugio, and during the Porfiriato, wealthy families came to Tlaquepaque as their summer homes, in addition to installing the Guadalajara-Tlaquepaque tram.
Already in the 20th century (1901-2000), in the year 1941, the famous movie “¡Ay Jalisco, don’t rajes!” was filmed. starring Jorge Negrete and the music of Don Manuel Esperón, it was also in this century that the hidalgo garden was built, and several museums were inaugurated such as the Regional Museum of Ceramics, Casa del Artesano and the Pantaleón Panduro, which show a collection of artisan pieces and in the case of the latter, winning pieces of the National Ceramic Award that has been held since 1977
What to do in the Magic Town of Tlaquepaque?
Tlaquepaque is one of the towns in Mexico that has a vast artisan tradition, here you can learn the secrets of ceramics and pottery. But not only its crafts make this town so special, but also its tourist attractions and its beautiful rustic streets.
10 things you can do in Tlaquepaque to enjoy your visit to the fullest.
1. Taste the exquisite gastronomy of Tlaquepaque
Undoubtedly one of the best ways to get to know the culture of a place is by trying its drinks and typical dishes. Be sure to take a gastronomic tour so you can delight your taste buds with the best recipes from Tlaquepaquenses, such as meat in its juice and drowned cakes.
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2. Make a stop at the traditional Parián
The obligatory stop in Tlaquepaque is the Parián, founded around 1878 as a tianguis for the sale of articles among the indigenous peoples of the area. Nowadays this place comes alive with music, drinks, and crafts.
3. Rest in the Hidalgo Garden
This park is one of the emblematic sites of the city, it has a beautiful kiosk and a fountain. You can rest on its benches while enjoying a refreshing tejuino or some typical local snack.
4. Visit the El Refugio Cultural Center
It is an old hospital that now serves as a cultural center dedicated to art, where you can see different exhibitions. Also. It has a school of plastic arts and a cinema.
5. Get to know the town’s museums
Tlaquepaque has several museums with different themes, but the most recommended for you to learn more about the history of the city’s crafts are the Tlaquepaque Regional Museum of Ceramics and the Pantaleón Panduro Municipal Museum of the National Ceramic Award.
6. Buy traditional handicrafts
In the Andador Independencia, you will find a wide variety of art galleries and craft and design shops, as well as some typical sweet shops. You will not be able to resist the temptation to do some shopping to pamper yourself.
7. Take a night tour
The El Refugio Cultural Center offers various activities, one of which is the dramatized night tours in which the most gloomy legends of the site are narrated. These are held every Wednesday and Friday.
8. Visit the most beautiful churches in town
Tlaquepaque has many churches that you would not end up knowing them all, but the ones that you cannot miss are the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Soledad, whose architecture is inspired by the neoclassical style and dates from 1742, and the Parish of San Pedro, built in colonial times by Franciscans; its façade is an amalgamation of inspirational elements ranging from Byzantine to Roman and Baroque styles.
9. Take a tourist route through Tlaquepaque and Tonalá
Due to the proximity of these two towns, it is recommended to make an excursion to these two destinations. Tonalá is another beautiful colonial town in Jalisco that is also recognized for its artisans.
10. Attend the Winter Cultural Festival
During the months of November and December, one of the most important events in San Pedro Tlaquepaque takes place. It has a great program of activities that you can enjoy with your family or friends.
How to get to Tlaquepaque from downtown Guadalajara?
The time from the center of Guadalajara to Tlaquepaque is approximately 20 minutes. To get there, you can go to the Calzada del Federalismo and from there to Avenida Dr. Roberto Michel (towards Carretera Guadalajara – Chapala in Alamo Industrial, San Pedro Tlaquepaque).
