Diario las Américas., 1958-03-25
Know thy
NeighbofI
By ANTONIO RUIZ

MEXICO - In the year 1880,
Nuno de Guzman, one of the trust
ed lieutenants of Herman CorteS,
was sent to subdue the rebeliouS
INDIAS OF THE Kingdom of New
G%alicia, and he successfully fought
his way into that rich virgin ter
titory, where he established an
outpost. After peace had been re-
stored, the settlement grew and
was given the name Of Guadalaja-
ra by Captain Juan de Onate, in
honor of his commander Nuno de
Guzman, who was born in the Spa
nish city Of that name.
The city subsequently became
the capital of New Galicia and in
1860, by decree, became the Epis-
copal seat of Western Mexico. Not
ed as the center Of early reform
movements, as well as for the lib
erl policies of its rulers, the city
grew slowly but steadily, becom-
ing with time one of the most i'm
portant communities of the Repub-
lie.
Today Guadalajara is the second
largest city in Mexico, famous
throughout the land because of its
industries, its fine pottery and,
above all, because of its traditions
and great culture. 1t is the seat OF
a University, has a splendid mu.
scum housing colonial arts and
numerous . churches containing
masterpieces such as a genuine Mu-
rillo depicting the Assumption of
the Virgin Mary. Jose Clemente
Orozco, outstanding Mexican MUIR
alist, executed some of his finest
murals here, decorating the walls
of the University and 0rphanage
with his powerful paintings.
Enjoying an unexcelled year
round climate, the citizens of Qua
dalajara pursue their daily tasks
with serenity, combined with
thoroughness, which characteri-
yes the real tempo of life in all of
Mexico. In Guadalajara, when the
DAYS work has been done, folks
from all walks of life dedicate
themselves to simple and whole
some pleasures. Music may then
be heard within the ~flower-filled
patios and corridors, while wander
ing troubadours, better known as
"Mariachis," play before groups
gathered together for refresh
ments under the "Portales de Tia
quepaque."
Sunday afternoon and holidays
are given over to excursions TO
nearby picturesque Chapala, 10
watch feats of Workmanship and
rodeos, wherever they can be
staged. Life is colorful and inter
esting in Guadalajara. Deeply re-
ligious, the city celebrates all re-
ligious holidays with great pomp
and ceremony, but especially on
October A., when the statue OF the
greatly venerated Virgin OF
Zapopan is taken from her
church to visit other churches,
and then returned amidst much
festivity.
Nature endowed the surrounding
land with a special kind OF clay
discovered at an early date to be
of excellent quality for the manu-.
facture of clay figures and all
kinds of pottery. Maintaining the
traditions of the early founders,
the descendants of 18th. century
artisans today produce in work.
shops some of the most beautiful
clay figures and pottery OF the
Republic.
Tlaquepaque, a suburb easily
reached is the center OF this IN
dustry, and there the artisans may
be seen at work, baking and de-
~corating their wares with native
s~tylizations and exquisite, original
and colorful designs. Truly colon
ial in its general aspect, the city
nevertheless has not Jagged be-
hind in modern improvements. CT
vic minded administrations have
widened some of the main streets,
beautifuied others, but have kept
intact the magnificent colonial
structures and historic monuments.
Spanish Version Page 3