Guadalajara, MEXICO

Mexico’s second largest city, Guadalajara, is the capital city of the state of Jalisco. It has all the features of a modern metropolis, yet has a gracious colonial atmosphere. It is a harmonious blend of old and new. Majestic old buildings stand beside soaring glass and steel structures. Acres of beautiful parks and flowering gardens make Guadalajara’s traffic congestion seem remote. Although it is an important and thriving commercial city in Mexico, Guadalajara enjoys a slow pace, fresh air and a friendly population. Guadalajara is a city in western Mexico. It’s known for tequila and mariachi music, both born in Jalisco, the state of which Guadalajara is the capital. Guadalajara’s historic center is dotted with colonial plazas and landmarks such as the neoclassical Teatro Degollado and a cathedral with twin gold spires. The Palacio del Gobierno houses famous murals by painter José Clemente Orozco. Guadalajara is a global city and one of Mexico’s most important cultural centers. It is home to numerous mainstays of Mexican culture, including Mariachi, Tequila, and Birria and hosts numerous notable events, including the Guadalajara International Film Festival, the most important film festival in Latin America, and the Guadalajara International Book Fair, the largest book fair in the Americas. The city was the American Capital of Culture in 2005 and has hosted numerous global events, including the 1970 FIFA World Cup, the 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 1st Ibero-American Summit in 1991, and the 2011 Pan American Games. The city is home to numerous universities and research institutions, including the University of Guadalajara and the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, two of the highest-ranked universities in Mexico and Latin America. SOURCE

Guadalajara became a Sister City on October 3, 1986 with ceremonies in Albuquerque.