Zapopan, Guadalajara

If you are driving, the best way to arrive to Zapopan coming from Guadalajara downtown, is to take Lopez Mateos Avenue until Avila Camacho Avenue, where you have to turn left or to the west. It is possible to arrive to Zapopan by following Periferico Ring westbound. However, any taxi will take you there.

Undoubtedly, the most appreciated image in Zapopan is the worshiped sculpture of Our Lady of Zapopan within the main church or Basilica. Next to this church is the Museum of Huichol Art which is really interesting. Quarry arches indicate the beginning of a promenade with fountains and several squares which is a pedestrian zone named Paseo Teopilztintli. An interesting nightlife takes place here, where everybody is entitled to spent a good time whereas enjoying a drink away from the urban noise.

One of the monuments that stands out in Zapopan is the one dedicated to Pope John Paul II. Beautiful murals decorate the walls of important buildings such as the Municipal Palace, where paintings of Guillermo Chavez depict different revolutions around the world. At the entrance of the municipal offices, a wonderful sculpture mural depicts the foundation and the main symbol of Zapopan, which is a corncob.

In Zapopan, tourist should know the different squares that are here, such as the Civic Square with a tall flagpole or the John Paul II Square (formerly Square of the Americas) with an nice pink quarry kiosk in its center. Besides, the Galerias Theater is a modern space to enjoy commercial plays.

Mexican popular art is expressed in Zapopan through its folklore. For instance, artisans work with every part of the corncob to produce beautiful decorative objects. Beside, quarry stone has been sculpted in order to build different buildings. And the creativity of diverse ethnic groups appears in the work of the Huichol people.

Dance and theater is also present to keep traditions and knowledge alive. Two example of them are the Dance of the Conquest and the Dance of the Tastuanes. In addition, regional gastronomy is mainly based on corn. From it, delicious dishes are prepared such as "pozole", "tamales", "atole" as well as candies like "alfajor" or "palanqueta".

Zapopan is the largest suburb of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area. Some of the most modern shopping center are located within Zapopan, as well as residential zones and universities. At the same time, Zapopan preserves the flavour and tranquility of the past represented in its buildings, temples, and haciendas as well as in its peaceful and provincial ambiance.