Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico Photography

Photography by Bill Bell

Guadalajara (pronounced /ˌgwɑːdləˈhɑːrə/;[1] Spanish pronunciation [ɡwað̞alaˈxaɾa]) is the capital city of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and the seat of the municipality of Guadalajara. The city is located in the central region of the state and in the western-Pacific area of Mexico. With a population of 1,579,174 it is Mexico's second most populous municipality. The Guadalajara Metropolitan Area includes seven other adjacent municipalities and has a population of 4,095,715 in 2008, making it the second most populous in the metropolitan area in Mexico, behind Mexico City.[2][3] The municipality is the most densely populated in Mexico after Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl in the State of Mexico.

Guadalajara is situated at an altitude of 1,600 metres (5,200 ft), favouring it with a mild, spring-like climate.

The city is named after the Spanish city of Guadalajara, with the name originating from the Arabic Wadi-al-Hajara (وادي الحجارة), meaning "Valley of Stones"; the literal translation of the Iberian name (Arriaca), meaning "Stony River".

The city has hosted several international events, such as the first Cumbre Iberoamericana in 1991, the Cumbre América Latina, El Caribe-Unión Europea in 2004, the Encuentro Internacional de Promotores y Gestores Culturales in 2005, and will be the host city of the 2011 Panamerican Games. It was also named the American Capital of Culture in 2005, Ciudad Educadora (Educator City) in 2006 and the first Smart City in Mexico due to its use of technology in development.

Guadalajara is also known as Mexico's silicon valley due to its strong electronics industry,and is also considered Mexico's high tech capital due to its leadership in software and informatics development.
History

Guadalajara Cathedral.Guadalajara was founded in 1531 by the Spanish explorer Cristóbal de Oñate, who had been commissioned by the conquistador Nuño de Guzmán. The original settlement consisted of 42 inhabitants settled on the Mesa del Cerro, near the border with Nochistlán in the province of Teúl, known today as San Juan de Los Lagos. The name Guadalajara came from the birthplace of Nuño de Guzmán in Spain.

Guzmán and Cristóbal de Oñate decided to relocate to a place with more water, fewer dust storms, and better transportation. They began this project in May 19, 1533, and by August 8, 1533 they had moved the town to its second location, near Tonalá. Two years later, in March 1535, they again moved the town to a new location.

On November 8, 1539 the emperor Charles V granted a coat of arms and the title of City to Guadalajara.

After a serious attack by indigenous Mexicans in September 28, 1541 during the War of the Mixtón, it was decided once more to relocate the city and re-establish it again in the Atemajac Valley.

Today's city of Guadalajara was founded at this site by Crístobal de Oñate on February 14, 1542, by Royal decree of King Charles V.

During the Colonial era, Guadalajara became the capital of Nueva Galicia and prior to the War of Independence it was the capital of the Intendencia of Guadalajara.

   

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