The festivities start today…February the 14th marks the day in which Guadalajara was founded. The second largest and important city in Mexico has been in a huge development process over the last decade.

Guadalajara is also known as 'The Pearl of the West' is the birth place of loads of really Mexican traditions such as mariachi. Also well known for its great infrastructure, amenities and perfect climate.

Since the pre-Hispanic period, Guadalajara was considered a kind of outpost in the Mexican west. Gradually it has become a tourist destination recognized globally for it rich cultural heritage, traditions, exhibits as well as its congresses and conventions.

For this, the conquistadors had to undertake four attempts to establish a city, which were met with rebellion from the Caxcanes native inhabitants. In February 1542, Antonio de Mendoza, Cristobal de Oñate and 62 other Spanish colonizers found a safer place in the Valle de Atemajac and settled there.

King Carlos I of Spain granted the Coat of Arms establishing the title of city and naming this valley haven, capital of Nueva Galicia in 1560. Its current name derives from the conquistador Beltrán de Guzman's native town in Spain, Guadalajara and was founded on the very spot where the Teatro Degollado now stands. It was not long before Fray Pedro de Ayala placed the cornerstone for the Cathedral.

It's been 469 years since this city was founded and there will be loads of activities for the celebrations of it. Make some time to walk through the city centre area, for sure you will find something interesting to do.