Tlaquepaque (“Ta-La-Keh-Pa-Keh”)

 

Get here early, before the crowds and heat.

Derived from the Nahuatl native Indian language meaning the “place of mud”, Tlaquepaque is home to textile and ceramic artists. Swallowed up by Guadalajara, it has the feel of a charming, small colonial town, thus it’s designation of Puebla Magica. Its mansions and gentile style date back to the 18th century, when Tlaquepaque was one of the main stops en route to Mexico City. It also holds an important place in Mexico’s history: The Plan de Iguala, which set forth the foundation for Mexican Independence from Spain, was signed at the house on this street.

Begin the Art Stroll

We are 9 blocks away from Independencia, the walking street, in a delightful blue hotel, Villa Del Ensueno   https://hotelvilladelensueno.com/  recommended to us by travelers we met in Chapala. It seems appropriate that Del Ensueno is located on Calle Florida. At the time of booking, it saved our lives, but that will be a story for another day.

The feet, the face!

To get to the main attraction, which is Centro Tlaquepaques, one gets to stroll down the heavily shaded streets and past the Arts/Ceramic/Glass/Theater/Dance school - Centro Cultural el Refugio . Where last night they had a free concert and sales of art created there. I also am taking progressive photos of a mural being painted outside it's gates.

Lovely, sparkly pig planters. How many can I take home?

Of course, a gentleman I met at breakfast, is here buying all new furniture for his new home in Baja. Furniture, comfortable furniture, is very hard to come by in Mexico.

I want this painted horno.

We had a great time stopping at several of the galleries along the street. Our favorite was Sergio Bustamante, born in Mexico and who studied architecture in Guadalajara.

Gallery Bustamante

Agustin Parra is a furniture maker, who has been recognized as an “official supplier of the Vatican.” In addition to his furniture, which was exquisite, he carves large statues of the saints. They allowed no photos in this gallery and little is to be found online, but wow!

Gallery Parra