We extended our stay in Guadalajara, Mexico so that we could experience Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) which is celebrated on October 31, November 1 and 2. This holiday is one of Mexico’s most important events of the year and honors those who have died. According to tradition, the souls of people who have died visit their families at this time. We were impressed by the large number of events and parades celebrating Día de Los Muertos…
The Jalisco Ballet Company has performed El Lago de Los Cisnes (Swan Lake) every year for the last three years and we were fortunate to be able to attend this year’s performance. This production is unique because the ballet is performed on a lake. There is a small lake in Parque Metropolitano and the stage and set were built on the lake close to the shoreline. Seating, music, and lighting were installed onshore. The lake and park backdrop made the…
Every October 12th, Guadalajara and the state of Jalisco celebrate the pilgrimage (romería) of the Virgin Mary of Zapopan from the Cathedral to the Basilica of Zapopan. The 5-mile pilgrimage is both a festive and solemn celebration consisting of prayer, music, and dance. The faithful walk along the pilgrimage route praying to the Virgin for everything from good health to a good harvest and this year, over 2 million participated in the pilgrimage including artisans, dancers, and Catholics from all…
Everyone who visits Guadalajara is encouraged to do two things: eat tacos and drink Tequila. Since arriving in Guadalajara, we have been enjoying many, many tacos made with pork, beef, and fish. In fact, tacos are a staple in our diet. However, drinking Tequila is another story. Even though we’re not big Tequila drinkers, we knew we wanted to take a Tequila tour. So, last week we took a tour with 8 others to learn all about Tequila. Of course,…
We left the United States on October 4th, 2018 to begin our adventure in South America, but the trip didn’t start out as planned. We missed our flight out of Minneapolis reminding us that for the next year we would need to be flexible and go with the flow. Now with a year of travel under our belts and a year of new travel possibilities that we are considering, it’s time to reflect on the lessons we have learned. We…
Before we started traveling a year ago, we took Spanish classes from private instructors and a private language school. One of our instructors was Zuri and we chatted with her every week on Skype. Through our classes and our Spanish conversations, we got to know Zuri and she got to know us. When we arrived in Guadalajara, Mexico we contacted Zuri and arranged to finally meet her in person. Zuri was excited about our visit and so we took a…
Every year, just before Mexico’s Independence Day, Guadalajara celebrates El Dia de Charro (Charro Day). Charros are Mexican horsemen and women (also called vaqueros) and El Dia de Charro is a day to recognize and celebrate charros and all those who participate in Charreadas (rodeos). This nationwide celebration began in 1934. It was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2016. In Guadalajara, the Charro Day parade consists of mariachi music, riding skill demonstrations and the…
Viva La Independencia! Viva Mexico! We heard thousands of people shout this chant over and over again last weekend as part of Mexico’s Independence Day celebration on September 16th. Every year, at 11 pm on the eve of Independence Day (September 15th), thousands gather at Plaza de Armas in Guadalajara to celebrate and to reenact the famous “EL Grito de Dolores” (The Cry from Dolores). History In the early nineteenth century, Mexico began planning a revolt against Spain. Father Miguel…
Scattered throughout eastern Mexico are the famous Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Tulum, and Palenque. Mexico City and the area surrounding it has Aztec ruins. However, in western Mexico, near Guadalajara, there are remnants of a lost civilization that dates well before the Spanish arrived in the western world. Thirty miles west of Guadalajara is the town of Teuchitlán (A Place for The Devine). It’s a picturesque and tranquil locale with beautiful views of Lake La Vega. Just outside the…
Last week we ventured outside of Guadalajara to the city of Querétaro-a city of 750,000 people and a major industrial, agricultural and commercial center of Mexico; sometimes referred to as Little Mexico City. In its early years, Querétaro played an important role in Mexico’s fight for independence. The city has over a thousand monuments throughout the historic center, most from the 1700s, and is recognized as one of Mexico’s 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Our Journey to Querétaro Querétaro is…