HISTORY
Tlaquepaque is a word that comes from the Aztec Nahuatl language, meaning ‘place above clay land.’ Before the Spanish arrived, it was a kingdom ruled by a woman named Chiuapilli Tzapotzinco. Eventually, Nuño de Guzmán, a Spaniard, took possession of the kingdom and renamed it San Pedro in 1548. In 1921, a priest named Miguel Hidalgo started a movement for independence from Spain, which eventually succeeded.
Today, Tlaquepaque is an artisanal community of nearly 600,000 people and is known for producing the greatest variety of crafts found in Mexico. The city recently restored the area with parks, squares, and beautiful streets. There are over 200 stores, restaurants, galleries, and other attractions.
CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHY
Like Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque has a humid subtropical climate, but the high altitude, 5,400 feet above sea level, also influences the climate. While the temperature is warm all year long, the precipitation amount varies significantly from each season. The average highs are in the mid to upper 7s in winter and in the upper 8s to 90s in summer. From November to May, the average rainfall for each month is less than an inch, but June to September sees anywhere from six to nearly 11 inches, with the highest rainfall in July.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN TLAQUEPAQUE
Many tourists start at the visitor’s center to see the colorful Tlaquepaque sign on Calle Independencia. Once at the visitor’s center, they can pick up a map that shows them all the things they can do in the city. While you could ask for directions to the colorful umbrella lane, there are more things to see than just that.
REGIONAL CERAMIC MUSEUM
Just off Calle Independencia is a free museum that showcases local exhibits throughout the year and traditional ceramics.
MERCADO BENITO JUAREZ
What won’t you find here? You can find furniture, food, piñatas, as well as decorative items, galleries, and shops. Chances are if you’re looking to take home a unique souvenir, Mercado Benito Juarez is one of the places to stop. They even have handmade leather items.
WITNESS A MARIACHI AT PARIAN RESTAURANT
You have to stop and eat from time to time, so why not stop to eat at Parian Restaurant? Parian restaurant is famous for its entertainment, and you can find whatever food you’re in the mood to have. One thing to note about Parian Restaurant is that it isn’t a single restaurant but a collection of restaurants under one roof.
VISIT…
Visit Santuario Nuestra Señora de la Soledad and Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol to see two historic churches. Santuario Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is lavishly decorated with an interior that’s amazing and has amazing chandeliers and fantastic carvings. Parroquia de San Pedro Apóstol in Tlaquepaque dates back to the 18th century and is also located on the main square in Centro, Jardin Hidalgo. It has a white facade and beautiful statues. The pews are separated by columns and arches, which is unusual for Mexico.
Plan a trip to Tlaquepaque
