Since the pre-Hispanic period, Guadalajara was considered a kind of outpost in the Mexican west. The word Guadalajara comes from the Arab word "Wad-al-hidjara", which means "River that runs between rocks". Guadalajara was founded in 1532, when Nuño de Guzmán and a few dozen other Spanish families founded the city near Nochistlán (now in Zacatecas state), naming it after Guzmán's home city in Spain. The city, named for his birthplace, thrived, being officially recognized by Charles V in 1542 and rapidly becoming one of the colony's most Spanish cities - in part at least because so much of the indigenous population had been killed or had fled during the period of Conquest and suppression.
The climate of Guadalajara is pleasantly warm and dry most of the year. Summer and winter both are usually very mild. The average temperature from November to February is of 15°C (59°F), rising to 21°C (69.8°F) between March and October. The humidity is quite low in Guadalajara, with it increasing somewhat during the rainy season. June to August is the rainy season, which means it quite often rains at night, but is usually sunny and pleasant during the day. Usually the rain lasts for a few hours after which the air is much cleaner.
Guadalajara is an important communications and industrial center, the geographical location of the city and its communications infrastructure make it very favorable for commerce with the rest of the country, and the city attracts investors and commerce worldwide. Food processing, the manufacture of xerographic and photographic equipment, chemicals, plastics, electronic products, and motor vehicles are among the leading industries. The region around the city is important for agriculture and livestock raising; some coal is also mined.
Guadalajara is home to an excellent public transport network, some of the most popular ways to get around Guadalajara are cabs, buses, tren ligero (light train) and rental cars. The Tren Ligero along with local buses are extremely inexpensive, efficient and easy to use; currently there are only 2 lines for Tren Ligero. Metro train stops in Guadalajara are easy to spot, with clear signs displaying a "T" symbol. The TUR buses, painted a distinctive turquoise colour, are a more comfortable alternative on some routes. If they roar past without stopping, they're full; this can happen several times in a row during rush hour. Taxi drivers in Mexico are required to use the meters, although some might not. Many car rental travel agencies are located around Guadalajara, including a number of the most notable US firms. However, the cheapest rates are often available using local companies.
The Mexican educational system consists of three levels: primary, secondary and higher education. In Mexico, there are two kinds of schools: private and public. Children of wealthy families go to private schools with plenty of funding for books and materials including computers. Mandatory school age is 6 to 14 years, which covers primary and lower secondary school. Higher education consists of three types: universities, technological colleges, and teacher-training institutes. There are private and public institutions of all three types, but public institutions are more numerous and usually larger.
Guadalajara is a city of monuments, parks and flowers, fountains and tree lined avenues. It is a great vacation destination for visitors seeking a taste of authentic Mexican culture combined with numerous activities and the modern comforts.
Guadalajara's colonial center has five main Plazas, the main one in the middle of the city hosts the city's amazing twin-tower Cathedral, with the other four plazas surrounding it in all directions. Metropolitan Cathedral is a huge belfries and its confusing architectonic features, mixture of renaissance, gothic and Moorish styles, has become an authentic emblem of Guadalajara. The cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption when it was begun in 1561, was finished about 30 years later. The current towers shown are not the originals, the first towers were destroyed in 1818 after a strong earthquake brought them crashing down. New towers had to be made and were constructed by Architect Manuel Gomez Ibarra in 1854.
North of the Cathedral is one of Guadalajara's big landmarks: Rotunda de los Hombres Ilustres - (Monument to the Illustrious Men) which include bronze statues of Guadalajara's favourite writers, composers, poets, and an architect, among others. Designed by architect Vicente Mendiola, the colossal work is composed of 17 fluted columns with no base or capital, the same that hold a ring of quarry stone.
Tequila is a distilled alcoholic beverage made primarily in the area surrounding Tequila, a town in the western Mexican state of Jalisco, 65 km from Guadalajara. It is made from the blue tequila agave plant (also called Maguey by the local people), part of the lily family, which is native to Mexico. Most common tequilas are 35% to 55% alcohol.
Fiesta Internacional del Mariachi is a popular annual festival, with a series of events taking place all around downtown Guadalajara, including live music, open-air concerts and dancing, based around a number of central squares and other venues. Mariachis are the traditional Mexican musicians with their black velvet dress, and unmistakable large Mariachi hats.
Fiestas de Octubre (October Festival) is throughout October and lasting the whole month. The festival features live music, plenty of dancing, endless food, exhibitions of art works, carnivals, markets with over 700 vendors, street entertainment and a number of free events.
