We spent over a month in Mexico. After a couple of weeks in the Yucatan peninsula we flew over to Guadalajara for almost four weeks. Our first week was in the Centro Historico, or the old city with many historical buildings and churches. After that, we moved down to Tlaquepaque. Not exactly Tlaquepaque, but a little neighborhood called Santa Maria about a fifteen minute walk south. Tlaquepaque (officially known as San Pedro de Tlaquepaque) is famous for pottery, crafts, and art galleries along with pubs, restaurants, and live mariachi. In contrast, Santa Maria is a thriving little village with lots of community spirit along with energetic neighborhood festivals.
I have many wonderful photos that capture different aspects of this contrast. Instead of a pictorial essay for a freshman writing course, I only include a few that made this experience special. A few facts for a presentation follow.
Old city building part of the renovation 40 years ago.
Museo Regional de Guadalajara if you have not seen a wooly mamoth
A silent people will always be humiliated. (Probably an antigentrification campaign)
Hot tamales in the barrio (‘hood).
A service station for all
Detail of mural showing local vendors.
Ballroom dance at the chapel.
Outside our building, blankets marking the path for penitents on knees to the chapel
My favorite sculpture by Bustamente
Guadalajara Centro Historico is undergoing a lot of renovation. Some by government, some by businesses and entrepreneurs.
Tlaquepaque is the home to many ceramic workshops and galleries.
The artist, Sergio Bustamente, formed his workshop in Tlaquepaque in 1975.
Cat spotting in his gallery at Independencia 238
In Barrio de Santa Maria, el Dia de la Santa Cruz (May 3) is celebrated much more than Cinco de Mayo (May 5).
Finishing up in Mexico with a few thoughts on our stay in Guadalajara. We spent over a month in Mexico. After a couple of weeks in the Yucatan peninsula we flew over to Guadalajara for almost four weeks.
