Guadalajara traditions Archives

Rosca de Reyes and 3 Wise Men Day

January 6th is 3 Wise Men day in Mexico, known in Spanish as el Día de los Reyes Magos or El Día de Reyes and it is a tradition to eat “Rosca de Reyes”.

When Christians commemorate the arrival of the Magi or “Wise Men” who arrived bearing gifts for the Christ Child.

The word Epiphany means revelation or manifestation and the holiday celebrates the revelation of the baby Jesus to the world.

Dia-de-reyes-nacimientos-guadalajara, Rosca de Reyes

In Mexico, children receive gifts on this day, brought by the three kings, known in Spanish as los Reyes Magos, whose names are Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar.

Arrival of the Magi

In the days preceding Three Kings Day, Mexican children write letters to the three kings requesting a toy or gift that they would like to receive.

Sometimes the letters are placed in helium-filled balloons and released, so the requests reach the kings through the air.

Traditionally children would leave out their shoes. When the children would wake up in the morning, their gifts appeared in place of the hay. Nowadays, like Santa Claus, the Kings tend to place their gifts under the Christmas tree.

Shoes under the Christmas tree, Rosca de Reyes

You may see men dressed up as the three kings posing for photos with children in Mexican town squares, parks, and shopping centers.

On the night of January 5th, the figures of the Wise Men are placed in the Nacimiento or nativity scene.

Los 3 Reyes Magos “Wise Men” Rosca de Reyes

On Kings Day it is customary for families and friends to gather to drink hot chocolate or atole (a warm, thick, usually corn-based drink).

The person who finds the figurine is expected to host a party on Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas), celebrated on February 2nd, when tamales are customarily served.

Read more about this beautiful tradition, learn about its symbolism.

Rosca de Reyes

Is a sweet bread, which is a special food for Three King’s Day.

“Rosca” means wreath and “Reyes” means kings, so a direct translation of Rosca de Reyes would be “Kings’ Wreath”.

The sweet bread is shaped in the form of a wreath and usually has candied fruit on top, and a figurine of a baby baked inside.

Usually, each person cuts their own slice and the one who gets a piece of Rosca with the baby figurine is expected to host a party on Día de la Candelaria, which is celebrated on February 2nd.

Rosca de Reyes with a figurine of a baby inside

On that day, the traditional food is tamales.

Nowadays bakers tend to put several baby figurines in the Rosca, so the responsibility for making the tamales can be shared among several people.

Symbolism

Refers of the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s flight to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from the slaughter of the innocents.

However, the shape of the Rosca symbolizes a crown, in this case, the crown of King Herod from whom they were trying to hide the infant Jesus.

The dried fruit placed on top are jewels on the crown.

The figurine in the Rosca represents baby Jesus in hiding.

Finally, the person who finds the baby Jesus is symbolically his godparent and must sponsor the party when he is taken to the temple to be blessed, celebrated as Día de la Candelaria, or Candlemas, on February 2nd.

Rosca de Reyes with hot chocolate or coffee

In order to enjoy this magic cellebration please visit Guadalajara at the begining of January to take one the best tours in Guadalajara with Panoramex.

Tamales are usually programed to be serve in a gathering arround February but if you come any time of the year, feel free to ask your tour guide for a Tamale stop on the to Tequila town

5 Amazing museums to visit in Guadalajara

Here are 5 amazing museums in Guadalajara you can visit and learn the culture, art and traditions of this beautiful city.

Guadalajara is the second largest city in the country and it is ranked as the eighth best city to visit in Mexico and South America. Known as the land of tequila and mariachi, it is rich in history and traditions. You will find glimpses of its dazzling architecture in Hospicio Cabañas, a hospital built in century XIX, or in its cathedral.

Guadalajara has managed to make tradition and modernity coexist in a single space because it preserves centenary culture and tradition.

The University of Guadalajara Art Museum

This is pleasant quick visit art museum with local influence. It’s free and located on campus. A good addition to a Guadalajara visit.

Hospicio Cabañas Museum

The central region of western Mexico, Hospicio Cabañas was founded at the beginning of the 19th century to provide care and shelter to the needy including orphans, elderly, handicapped and chronic invalids.

A predominantly Neoclassical complex on a monumental scale, covering 2.34 hectares. The overall composition is formed by a rectangular plan and contains a complex of single-story buildings laid out around.

Hospicio Cabañas, José Clemente Orozco Superb Frescoes

In the late 1930s, the chapel was ornamented with fifty-seven superb frescoes painted by José Clemente Orozco, one of the greatest Mexican muralists of the time.

These works are considered a great masterpiece of Mexican art and illustrate both Spanish culture as well as Mexico’s indigenous culture with gods, sacrifices and temples.

The focus of the murals is found in the chapel’s dome with the work El Hombre de Fuego (The Man of Fire) which represents the submission of humans to machines.

Museum of Art in Zapopan

Very close to the Zapopan Cathedral there is a museum built to show the contemporary art of the world. One of the most important museums in Guadalajara

The MAZ takes advantage of the architecture of the enclosure to transmit certain emotions arising from various curatorships.

The Government Palace Museum

The aim of the museums in Guadalajara is to present the most important events that occured there.

The Government Palace Site Museum project arose within the framework of the preparations for the celebrations in the State by the Bicentennial of Independence and the Centenary of the Mexican Revolution in order that the Jalisco could reconnect with their history.

The script has three axes. First, the history of the building; secondly, to place the public in the context and history of Jalisco; and thirdly contextualize the Palace so that its dimensions are known, how was its construction and its significance as an enclosure.

Sergio Bustamante Museum

The trademark style of this sculptor is triangular faces in resin, bronze, or ceramic, which come in various sizes and warped formations. The gallery, which also has sibling stores in the nation’s capital and around Jalisco, has a large range of jewelry and accessories in addition to the sculptures, all designed by Sergio, a native Mexican artist and sculptor.

Sergio Bustamante’s art is a reflection of the culture and art of Mexico today, his work is very beautiful, varied and versatile, ranging from jewelry to furniture, mache paper sculptures and large-scale art.

With all sorts of advancements today, people sometimes yearn to unwind and have a break. What you do to pause for a while and be reminded of simpler days? Visit a museum and go back in time! You’ll love every second exploring these museums in Guadalajara

Jalisco is a country of interesting history and many rich, fascinating cultures. Visit one of these five museums to re-connect with the Tapatio heritage!

Guadalajara Personality

Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico

Guadalajara, state capital of Jalisco, is one of those cities with a distinct identity, if cities could have a personality, Guadalajara could be the most traditional city in Mexico. If there is a state that has it all, and which reflects the purest Mexican essence, that’s Jalisco.

Earth dressed in blue mantles agave tequila scented musts and reflected in the waters of Chapala Jalisco is an incomparable destination, where traditions are tied with ropes and charro and persist though time goes.

The Pearl of the West, the beautiful capital that is embraced by municipalities twinned make a whole.

Guadalajara Personality

Zapopano Vanguardia and development; tonalteca home crafts, Tlaquepaque pure tradition, mystic Tlajomulco manners and so it builds up to be the heartbeat of the State, there Guadalajara looks ancient temples and neighborhoods, being the focus of a state dynamic constant development.

Jalisco is faith and beliefs rooted in its beautiful cities, is Huichol handicrafts and Vallarta beaches in beautiful women and majestic mountains, wonderful beaches and magical mountain villages, is the destination, Mexico in every sense of the word.

Lovely small, with strong traditions Jalisco and you will receive love.

He is eager to show her charms, that live in it a thousand emotions.

Continue Reading about Guadalajara Personality

When talking about the symbols of Mexico, that comes to mind? The mariachis, singers in costumes and hats on his head, no doubt will be what you remember first. Like tequila drink that has gained much fame worldwide. For football fans, Mexico is the land where Pele and company., Won the World Cup three-peat in 1970, a team many consider the best nostalgic selection of all time.

But before being symbols of Mexican mariachis, tequila – and why not tell the tri Brazilian campaign, are icons of the state of Jalisco, which is southwest of Mexico City and carries the reputation of being, as seen by these examples, the birthplace of many traditions. In addition to proudly wear Mexican roots, other magnets in the region are the beaches in the Pacific, such as Puerto Vallarta, and the cities that have a beautiful colonial architecture, such as Guadalajara.

Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and a modern metropolis and economic center, which is just behind Mexico City, 650 miles away, Guadalajara is known as the “Pearl of the West”, thanks to the impressive colonial buildings, flanked by successive squares.

historic Centre

The Wall of Catharsis and the Teatro Degollado in Guadalajara is a delight to walk the historic center of Guadalajara, always full of vendors crackling pepper or fruit already cut and people coming in and out of places like the cathedral, next to the Plaza de Armas and gazebo.

The construction of this temple was in 1542, but still did not end until the 18th century. After the earthquakes of 1750 and 1818, won the cathedral towers covers striking yellow tiles along the altars and 18th century paintings and 19 in the sacristy, turned it into a postcard of the city. Nearby, at the corner of Avenida Hidalgo and Calle Liceo is the Regional Museum of Guadalajara, an imposing 18th century building.

The space features exhibits of paleontology and archeology – among the items on display are a complete mammoth skeleton and a replica of a well’s tomb discovered in Zapopan. The objects speak a little history of the region and the local Indians as well as paintings by artists from Jalisco, complete the collection.

From there, you can go in many directions to continue enjoying the architecture of the colonial era, such as Liberation Square, just behind the cathedral. There are, for example, the Supreme Court of the State of Jalisco, which occupies the former convent of Santa Maria de Gracia, built between 1588 and 1590.

The Teatro Degollado, still in activity and behavior 1400, is another attraction of the piece, with a portico of eight Corinthian columns and a frieze at the top showing Apollo and the nine Muses. Inside, greatness is not minor: there are five floors decorated in gold and red and a dome painted with scenes of the Divine Comedy, Dante Alighieri. The contemporary style of the plaza is the Wall Catharsis dry stone wall where people leave little notes with their complaints or desires, tucked into the veins of the rocks.

Orozco’s murals

The mural by Jose Clemente Orozco in the Supreme Court of Guadalajara, next to the Government Palace (Calle Moreno Corona Avenue) built in 1774 in Baroque style and today is used as the seat of government of the state of Jalisco. The highlight is the large and impressive murals by José Clemente Orozco (1883-1949), an artist of the Expressionist influence painting with bold shapes and bright colors.

Plaza football team

Plaza Brasil, where Brazil began the World Cup three-peat in Guadalajara and conquered the whole city, building the Plaza Brasil became a square outside the Jalisco Stadium, where the team unprecedented Pele, Jairzinho, penny, Rivelino and company played the first phase of the World Cup 1970.

In addition to a large sign that says “City Plaza Brasil pays homage to the brotherly people to commemorate the World Cup,” the place has a set of bronze sculptures by the artist Miguel Miramontes, consisting of three players in a ball in positions typical of football.

If in addition to seeing the statue in the square and be on the outside of the Jalisco Stadium can watch a game of football Mexican championship since Guadalajara has two teams, Chivas and Atlas, playing first division Mexican league football.

The time of purchase

Tlaquepaque, today a district of Guadalajara, in the outskirts of Guadalajara, there are two mandatory things to do: visit a tequila distillery and go to the “suburbs” of the city artisanal mines and decorative objects. Tlaquepaque is one of the suburbs, even glued to Guadalajara, retains an indoor climate.

Besides a great fair which runs every day and that is all kinds of Badulaque – is one thing and another very interesting, he dressed as normally embroidery – Tlaquepaque has several interesting shops crafts selling sculptures, ceramics and objects of various materials, paper mache wood and metal and glass, often with exorbitant prices.

The ancient city, which was once a destination for elegant summer is also the place where the residents of Guadalajara lunch (or dinner) on weekends and holidays, so tourists can and should do in a given day. This is because Tlaquepaque meets several charming restaurants – one of the champions of the preference is welcome Parian, next to the central plaza. It is a complex comprising nearly two dozen restaurants. All with one side overlooking the courtyard, where a gazebo that houses the famous mariachi performances, one of the main symbols of the State of Jalisco.

Another place to shop is Tonala, formerly an independent town and now also a kind of neighborhood in the city. The place will certainly women, especially, madness, as it has about 400 workshops which produce all kinds of decorative items, souvenirs and clothing, among others. To not walk aimlessly visit Tonala prefer Sundays and Thursdays, when the streets are stalls selling items “coveted”.