Zapopan, Mexico

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Zapopan, Mexico

Region: Jalisco


Geographic Coordinates: 20.716700, -103.400000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Population: 1476491
Language: Spanish

Zapopan is a culturally rich city located in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, Historical landmarks, And delicious cuisine. The city has become one of the most important economic centers in Mexico since its founding in the 16th century. One of Zapopan’s iconic landmarks is the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan. This stunning cathedral attracts thousands of pilgrims each year who come to pay homage to the Virgin Mary. The church is home to an impressive collection of religious artifacts, Including a statue of Our Lady that is said to have miraculous powers.

Another must-see attraction in Zapopan is the Huichol Museum which showcases traditional Huichol art and culture that has been preserved by local indigenous communities for centuries. For those interested in Mexican history, A visit to Museo de Arte de Zapopan (MAZ) should be on your itinerary. This museum features contemporary art exhibitions as well as permanent collections that highlight Jalisco’s cultural heritage.

Foodies will love exploring Zapopan’s culinary scene which offers everything from street food vendors selling tacos filled with succulent meats or fresh seafood ceviche dishes at upscale restaurants like La Tequila Cocina Mexicana where visitors can indulge themselves with delicious regional specialties such as birria (spicy goat stew) or tortas ahogadas (drowned sandwiches). no trip to Zapopan would be complete without experiencing its lively nightlife scene! The city boasts numerous bars and nightclubs where visitors can dance until dawn while enjoying live music performances or sipping on signature cocktails made with locally distilled tequila.

Overall, Whether you’re interested in history or culture or just want to explore some amazing food options while experiencing vibrant nightlife, Zapopan has something for everyone.



Important Landmarks

  1. Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan
  2. Telmex Auditorium
  3. Zapopan Municipal Palace
  4. Huichol Wixárica Art Museum
  5. Plaza de las Americas Shopping Mall
  6. San Pedro Parish Church
  7. Centro Cultural Constitución
  8. Museo de Arte de Zapopan (MAZ)
  9. Mercado San Juan de Dios
  10. Bosque Los Colomos Park

Primary Industries

  1. Technology: Zapopan is known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico due to its thriving technology industry. It is home to several multinational companies such as Intel, IBM, HP, and Oracle.
  2. Automotive: The automotive industry also plays a significant role in Zapopan’s economy. Major companies like General Motors and Ford have manufacturing plants in the city.
  3. Food processing: Zapopan has a strong food processing industry that includes meatpacking plants, dairies, and bakeries.
  4. Tourism: The city’s historical landmarks such as the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan attract tourists from all over Mexico and beyond.
  5. Education: Several universities are located in Zapopan including Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) which offers courses in medicine, dentistry, engineering among others.
  6. Retail: The city has several shopping malls including Plaza Andares which houses high-end stores like Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
  7. Healthcare: With several hospitals located within the city limits including Hospital Angel Leaño de Occidente amongst others makes it an important hub for healthcare services not only for its residents but also those from surrounding cities/towns/villages etc.

Noteable History

  1. Zapopan was founded in the 12th century by the indigenous people of the region known as Caxcanes.
  2. In 1530, Spanish conquistador Nuño de Guzmán arrived in Zapopan and established a settlement.
  3. During Mexico’s War of Independence in 1810, a battle took place in Zapopan between Mexican rebels and Spanish forces.
  4. The Virgin of Zapopan is a revered religious figure in Mexico associated with numerous miracles. A procession takes place every year on October 12th to honor her.
  5. Carlos Santana, the famous musician and guitarist, was born in Autlán de Navarro near Zapopan.
  6. Juan Rulfo was a renowned Mexican writer who spent much time living and working in Jalisco state where he wrote his most famous works including Pedro Páramo.
  7. Agustín Yáñez was a Mexican writer and politician who served as governor of Jalisco from 1953-1959.
  8. José Clemente Orozco was one of Mexico’s most important muralists who painted several murals throughout Guadalajara including at the Hospicio Cabañas located within what is now the city limits of Zapopan.
  9. Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, considered one of Mexico’s founding fathers for his role as leader during its War for Independence against Spain lived briefly in Tlaquepaque which borders with Zapopan.
  10. Ramón Corona played an important role during the Mexican War of Reform and served as governor of Jalisco state.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan is a significant religious site and a popular pilgrimage destination in Mexico.
  2. Museo de Arte de Zapopan (MAZ) is a contemporary art museum that focuses on Mexican artists.
  3. Centro Cultural Constitución is an arts center that hosts exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, and workshops.
  4. El Trompo Mágico Children’s Museum is an interactive museum for children with a focus on science and technology.
  5. Instituto Cultural Cabañas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses murals created by the famous Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco.
  6. Casa del Artesano Jalisciense is a cultural center that showcases traditional crafts from the region.
  7. Parque Metropolitano de Guadalajara is a vast park with hiking trails, lakes, and recreational areas to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
  8. Plaza de las Americas Shopping Center- It’s one of the most popular shopping malls in the city where you can find various stores for shopping needs.
  9. Mercado San Juan de Dios- This traditional market sells food items as well as handicrafts made by local artisans.
  10. Palacio Municipal- The city hall building which also serves as an architectural landmark in the city.


Sports Teams

  1. Club Atlas is the most popular sports team in Zapopan, Mexico. It was founded in 1916 and has a rich history of success in Mexican soccer. The team plays its home games at the Estadio Jalisco.
  2. Leones Negros de la Universidad de Guadalajara is another popular soccer team based in Zapopan, Mexico. It was founded in 1970 and has had mixed success over the years.
  3. Charros de Jalisco is a professional baseball team that is based in Zapopan, Mexico. It was established in 2018 and competes in the Mexican Pacific League.
  4. Gallos Blancos de Jalisco is a professional basketball team that plays its home games at the Auditorio Benito Juárez arena located within Zapopan’s Centro Cultural Universitario campus of Universidad de Guadalajara (University of Guadalajara).
  5. Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos is a minor league baseball team that played their home games at Estadio Panamericano until their move to Nuevo Laredo for the 2020 season due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on travel between Mexico and United States from March through October 2020.
  6. Lobos Grises UADY (University Autonomous of Yucatan) American football club with an extensive trajectory within national university leagues such as ONEFA (National Organization of American Football Student Teams) or CONADEIP (Mexican Private Universities Sports Commission), they have also participated internationally representing México against other countries like USA or Japan among others.


Cultural Events

  1. Fiestas de Octubre: This is a month-long festival held in Zapopan every year in October. The festival features music, dance, food, and cultural events.
  2. Festival Cultural de Mayo: This festival celebrates the arts and culture of Mexico and Latin America. It includes concerts, theater performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, and more.
  3. Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara: This is one of the largest book fairs in the world and takes place annually in November in Guadalajara (which borders Zapopan). The fair attracts publishers, authors, readers from all over the world.
  4. Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): This traditional Mexican holiday takes place on November 1st and 2nd each year to honor deceased loved ones with offerings such as flowers or food on altars.
  5. Semana Santa (Holy Week): The week leading up to Easter is celebrated with processions throughout Zapopan with participants carrying religious images through town while singing hymns.
  6. La Guelaguetza: A celebration of Oaxacan culture that features traditional dances and music along with local cuisine such as mole sauce or tlayudas (a type of tortilla).
  7. International Mariachi Festival: Held annually each August at Plaza de las Americas where mariachis from all over come together for competitions showcasing their talents.
  8. Independence Day Celebrations: September 16th marks Mexico’s independence day from Spain which is celebrated throughout Zapopan with parades featuring floats decorated with patriotic symbols like eagles or flags followed by fireworks displays at nightfall.

Cuisine

  • Birrieria Chololo – known for their delicious birria (spicy stew made with goat meat).
  • El Sacromonte – famous for their traditional Mexican dishes such as mole, chiles en nogada, and pozole.
  • La Panga del Impostor – a seafood restaurant that serves fresh ceviche, shrimp cocktails, and grilled fish.
  • Tortas Ahogadas Los Primos – a must-try spot for the iconic torta ahogada (a sandwich filled with pork and drowned in spicy tomato sauce).
  • Taqueria La Lupita – a street food-style eatery that offers mouth-watering tacos al pastor (marinated pork tacos) and other Mexican snacks.
  • Hueso Restaurante – an upscale restaurant known for its innovative dishes served on bone-shaped plates.
  • Casa Bariachi – a lively restaurant that serves traditional Mexican food accompanied by live mariachi music.
  • La Tequila Cocina Mexicana – A popular spot to try different types of tequila along with classic Mexican dishes like enchiladas suizas or chiles rellenos.
  • Mercado San Juan de Dios – One of the largest markets in Latin America where you can find all kinds of local specialties including street foods like tamales or elotes locos.
  • Carnitas Don Raul – A family-owned establishment famous for its juicy carnitas (pork meat) served with freshly made tortillas, beans, guacamole, and salsa.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Parque Metropolitano is the largest park in Zapopan, covering over 400 hectares. It features trails for hiking and biking, a lake for boating and fishing, picnic areas, playgrounds, and sports fields.
    2. Bosque Los Colomos covers over 90 hectares and features walking trails, a botanical garden, a butterfly house, an aviary with exotic birds, and several sculptures.
    3. Parque Alcalde is located in the historic center of Zapopan. This park has playgrounds for children and fountains that light up at night with music shows on weekends.
    4. Plaza de las Americas is a public square located in the heart of Zapopan’s commercial district that offers outdoor seating areas surrounded by shops and restaurants.
    5. Centro Cultural Constitución is a cultural center that offers art exhibitions as well as dance classes including salsa dancing lessons to visitors.
    6. Acuario Michin is a family-friendly aquarium featuring exhibits of marine life from around the world including sharks and sea turtles.
    7. Arena VFG (Auditorio Telmex) is the largest indoor events arena in Mexico located near Guadalajara offering concerts by international artists such as Shakira or Justin Bieber along with other events like bullfighting matches or wrestling shows throughout the year.
    8. Museo Huichol Wixarica de Zapopan – A museum dedicated to showcasing Huichol culture through their art installations including beaded sculptures made by indigenous tribes from around Mexico.

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