Jalisco Interesting Facts
Jalisco gave birth to Mariachi music, charreadas (Mexican rodeos), the Mexican Hat Dance, tequila and the wide-brimmed sombrero.
The town of Tequila was the site of the state’s first tequila factory, established in 1600. Tequila, made from the sap of the blue agave cactus, is Jalisco’s best known product. There are five tequila categories: plata (silver), clear tequila bottled immediately after it is distilled; oro (gold), silver tequila with added color and flavorings; reposado (rested), tequila aged in wooden containers for two to twelve months; añejo (aged), tequila aged for one to three years; and extra añejo (extra aged), tequila aged at least three years.
Lake Chapala in southeastern Jalisco is Mexico’s largest lake, occupying about 1,112 square kilometers (430 square miles). The lake provides perfect habitat for several species of migratory birds, including white pelican and various waterfowl.
About once every 80 years the city of Guadalajara has suffered a major earthquake.
Residents of Jalisco customarily drop the first letters of Mamá and Papá, calling their parents Amá and Apá, the reason for this being a mystery.
One of Mexico’s most popular soccer teams, Las Chivas de Guadalajara, is based in Jalisco. Unlike many international and national teams, only Mexican players can play on the team, and many of them then go on to play for the national team. Las Chivas also has a sister team, Chivas USA, that plays in Los Angeles, California.
The popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta features a rare combination of mountain rainforest alongside picturesque white beaches.
Well-known Jalisco natives include muralist Jose Clemente Orozco, guitarist Carlos Santana, Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro and golfer Lorena Ochoa, ranked number one in the LPGA in 2007.