The Centre of Guzmán City

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The cradle of great artists

The city of Guzmán is a "City-Town" located in the south of the state of Jalisco in Mexico, belonging to the municipality of Zapotlán el Grande. I can only assume that "grande" (great) is due to it being also called "the cradle of great artists" and I think it should be called this as I am from here..!

The city of Guzmán can be found in a valley, that is to say that we are surrounded by hills... I guess that for those from Guzmán it is not surprising, but to me it seemed strange when my friend, who was visiting me here, mentioned to me how unusual this was!

José Clemente Orozco is one of the many painters that have been born here - there is a statue of him in the centre of town. According to discussion, they did not promote his work during his time because he was a critic commenting about the social and political situation in the country and therefore it would not have been a good idea. Obviously, in the end they regretted this - as they should! If you're foreign and you don't know who I'm talking about, I would recommend that you go and research him! Part of his works you can find on the walls of the Cabañas Hospice in Guadalajara which is frequently visited by tourists.

A copy of a man in flames that can be found painted on the ceiling of the central kiosk in the city which you can find and appreciate better in Cabañas.

Another important artist from Guzmán is Consuelito Velásques... Do you know who that could be? Can you hear this: "bésame... bésame mucho, como si fuera esta noche la última vez... " ("Kiss me... Kiss me more, as if this were the last time... "). It is one of the most widely translated and interpreted songs composed by this woman who was born and spent fifteen springs at a house in the centre of the city. Another important artist is the writer Juan José Arreola who, in his works, talks about the traditions of his birthplace very proudly.

Finally, as well as the artists that have already passed away, I should mention that a strong interest into the new and upcoming generations still exists. They generate a large change in society and the current artistic projection, which to me seems like it is a good competition with the artists of time gone by.

One of the most famous living sculptors is Ramón Villalobos Castillo, who's alias is "Tijelino". We can find his work in the Municipal President's Office which is located just in front of the main plaza and that can be accesses freely without any problems.

In the centre of the city there is a large main plaza that has recently undergone a procedure, as previously a street divided it with the cathedral plaza, so now they closed that and made in into a larger square.

Right here we can find the singular cathedral that doesn't have any towers as during the last earthquake in 1985 they fell, and it was decided not to rebuild them in case of another disaster.

One of the most beautiful and oldest religious spaces, that if I'm not wrong was founded by the Franciscans during the Spanish Conquest, is the Third Order Chapel, of which I was very afraid of as a child because of its ancient bloody sculptures (haha). It is quite interesting to visit, best of all in the spring time when the trees of the same name have yellow flores on them, and this place is then full of life.

The Sagrario (Sanctuary) a large temple and it is located just next door. I would really recommend that you visit it and stick your nose inside its back gardens which are beautiful and relaxing. They are located in front of another square where you can sit and enjoy the perfect climate, devouring some pomegranate with salt, lemon and chilli. (Happiness).

The portals are very important places for the city, the business around and the people walking past is really like a parade of interesting things, you can find everything, especially food.

Among the best are the "Las arreolas" breads that, although very expensive, are worth the 2-weeks wage money for a croissant filled with cream (I've exaggerated with the fortnight), or Don Valente tacos, a much cheaper and equally delicious option, "taquitos" small bits of pork rind, beans, liver and more will fill your stomach with love.

Finishing your journey you can visit any kiosk and buy a bottle of pomegranate punch, which will put the finishing touches on the day's sensory explosion.

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