Guadalajara Events
Major celebrations are held on Independence Day, on Sept. 15, and for the return of the Virgin of Zapopan to the Basilica of Zapopan on Oct. 12. Cultural events take place the last 2 weeks of February before the beginning of Lent.
Other festivities with a special tapatío flavor are the Day of the Three Wise Men on Jan. 6; the National Ceramics Fair, in Tlaquepaque during mid-June; the Day of St. James the Apostle in Tonalá on July 25, which features a mock battle with participants representing Indians and Spaniards; and Day of the Dead celebrations Nov. 1-2. Most of these events include tianguis (open-air markets), charreadas (rodeos), fireworks, costumed dancers, mariachi bands and vendors selling regional food specialties.
The Christmas holidays in Guadalajara are celebrated with pastorelas, folk representations of the birth of Christ, and posadas, re-enactments of Mary and Joseph's search for an inn. The city's museums often participate, offering traditional dance programs and providing special refreshments. Families also get together to take part in candlelight processions to each other's homes, and nativity scenes are set up in churches and plazas. If you'll be visiting during December, check with your hotel, the Jalisco State Tourism Office or the bulletin boards at museums for further information.