9781422286944

The States of Mexico

During the 19th century, when wealthy Mexicans wanted to escape the political unrest in Mexico City, they fled to Guadalajara, and here they surrounded themselves with a distinctive Spanish culture. The symbols of that culture—tequila, mariachi music, and the hat dance—have become important to the entire nation. Today, Guadalajara is Mexico’s second-largest city. Although it has growing industries, it also still has its stately colonial architecture and fine museums. Jalisco’s many villages attract tourists with their colorful markets and quaint handicrafts. Tourists are also drawn to one of Jalisco’s coastal cities, Puerto Vallarta. Visitors find here luxurious resorts and wide, clean beaches. Nayarit If you make a quick trip north up Jalisco’s Pacific coast, you will enter the small state of Nayarit, directly south of Sinaloa. Although Nayarit is small, it is one Mexico’s leading tobacco growers. It also grows more varieties of fruit than any other state. The state’s mountainous areas are scrubby and dry, but along the coast are fertile areas with abundant rain. The state also has two volcanoes: Ceboruco and Sanganguey. Nayarit’s capital city is Tepic. This city does not attract many tourists, but it is nevertheless known for its kindness to strangers. Many of the people who live here are very poor, and they often still wear the traditional clothing worn by their ancestors. Although Tepic is a busy urban center, the mountains that surround it are nearly empty of people. The only residents of these high, wild areas are the Cora and Huichol Indians, who try to keep their ancient cultures intact. They venture into the towns and cities only to sell their artwork.

33