Viewpoint: Perla de Occidente

Tapatio and Proud

I was born Tapatio and every time I tell my origins I just feel proud of saying it, specially when I have to describe GDL to an extranger, in which case I will always say something like "Guadalajara is a city known for the beauty, history, culture and hospitality". This is a city that is known world wide for its rich art and beautiful women, from prehispanic art to urban and modern artist GDL is one of the art capitals on Mexico. Guadalajara is relevant to the country not only for its beauty but also for its historical relevance, maybe the most important event that took GDL as setting was when Hidalgo signed the pact to abolish slavery in GDL, or the defeat of Hidalgos army in Puente Grande. For its history and its location GDL's culture has many faces and it is so extense and rich that I wouldn't dare to make a list. People in GDL are just great, we are known for being great hosts and for usually treating well any visitor. La Perla Tapatia is were I was born and rised and If I had the choice I would choose this city again.

Added towns

Tonala

The city had a 2005 census population of 374,258 and the municipality had a population of 408,729 and an area of 119.58 km². The municipality lies adjacent to the east side of Guadalajara. The city and the municipality both rank fourth in the state of Jalisco in population, after Guadalajara, Zapopan.

On two days a week (Thursdays and Sundays) there is a giant street market covering the main streets, with numerous vendors of , glass and all kinds of handcrafted items and novelties. Most of the art found on Tlaquepaque and Guadalajara was manufactured here.

Due to the clay soil in the area, pottery or alfareria has been a traditional occupation for centuries.

Tlaquepaque

Known also as San Pedro. During the 20th century it was absorbed by the outward spread of Guadalajara urban mot , lying only a few kilometres from the city centre. The city had a 2005 census population of 542,051, while the municipality had a population of 563,006. The municipality's area is 270.88 km² The name.

Tlaquepaque derives from Nahuatl and means "place above clay land". The area is famous for its pottery and blown glass.

Tlaquepaque features El Parián, a large plaza surrounded by columns and surrounded by restaurants and bars. The main square in the city centre is known as El Jardín Hidalgo.Other main features include the two important churches, El Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad and San Pedro. You can also visit Forum Plaza (a mall) and the Benito Juárez market.

Tlajumulco

Municipality in the state of Jalisco, It forms part of the Guadalajara metropolitan area and lies to the southeast of it. The municipality covers an area of 636.93 km². As of 2010, the municipality had a total population of 416,626.

The name is interpreted from Nahuatl as "Land in the Corner."

As it is part of the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Tlajomulco has an industrial base and is a large commercial area. This is also where the Guadalajara International Airport.