History

Since the pre-Hispanic period, Guadalajara was considered a kind of outpost in the Mexican west. Gradually it has become a tourist destination recognized globally for it rich cultural heritage, traditions, exhibits as well as its congresses and conventions. For this, the conquistadors had to undertake four attempts to establish a city, which were met with rebellion from the Caxcanes native inhabitants. In February 1542, Antonio de Mendoza, Cristobal de Oñate and 62 other Spanish colonizers found a safer place in the Valle de Atemajac and settled there. King Carlos I of Spain granted the Coat of Arms establishing the title of city and naming this valley haven, capital of Nueva Galicia in 1560. Its current name derives from the conquistador Beltrán de Guzman's native town in Spain, Guadalajara and was founded on the very spot where the Teatro Degollado now stands. It was not long before Fray Pedro de Ayala placed the cornerstone for the Catedral Metropolitana. In 1742 wheels were put in motion for the creation of the Universidad de Guadalajara and the first printing press was established in 1792 enabling El Despertador Americano (The American Awakener), the first independent newspaper, to be published in 1810. This same year, Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, known as the Father of Independence, abolished slavery with a declaration made in the building that today houses the Palacio de Gobierno. Between 1857 and 1860 the state of Jalisco was the stage for the Guerra de la Reforma (War of Reform) and in 1864 suffered two years of battles during the French intervention. Later in 1926 Jalisco was the main arena for the Guerra Cristera which ended on June 29, 1929. Soon after, World War II created a great demand for shoes and clothing, which boosted the city's growth lasting until 1960. In 1965 the Fiestas de Octubre were proclaimed the city's official celebrations. Still one of the most important events in Guadalajara, it evolves around commerce, culture and entertainment and is presented within a framework to attract tourism. There are a number of famous native Jaliscienses (native to Jalisco), particularly the renowned muralist Jose Clemente Orozco, and three great writers Francisco Rojas González, Juan Rulfo and Juan Jose Arreola, to name a few. Guadalajara, capital of the state of Jalisco, has over two million inhabitants and is the second largest, most important city in the country.