This fascinating pocket of Mexican culture was originally called Tlacapan, which means “Men who make clay utensils with their hands”. Tlalic-pac means “Over clay hills”. Tlaquepaque borders Tonala to the north and Guadalajara and Zapopan, and in the south.

It was conquered by Nuño de Guzman in 1530, at the same time that Tonallan was being conquered. In 1838, San Pedro became a Village and in 1843, was appointed a Villa. In 1892, the permanent boundaries were established. Since then, it has retained its distinct character as Guadalajara surrounded it.

Present day Tlaquepaque is still rich with the local tradition and art. It attracts many of Jalisco’s more talented artists, and has a reputation for the quality and diversity of its wares. Many summer homes have been converted into shops which house various crafts and restaurants serve fine cuisine.

“El Refugio” Cultural Center is an cultural and commercial area. The Culture House is located at the former Chapel. Temporary exhibits are shown there.

“El Alamo” Square (Or Monument to the Revolution) was created by sculptor Miguel Miramontes in 1968.

El Parian was constructed in 1883. There are bars and restaurants that offer typical cuisine while mariachis play joyful songs. The typical dishes of Tlaquepaque are pozole and cafiaspirinas or very small sopes. These savory traditional dishes are readily available.

San Pedro Church is a baroque edifice built during the 17th Century. It features twin towers and two bells.

Tlaquepaque is considered one of the main pottery production areas in the country. Some of the most beautiful expressions of manual arts can be found here. Perfection and advance are notable, especially in ceramics: polished ceramics, canelo, betos, covered with metal sheets ceramic, tinted ceramics, petatillo, kaolin, and also using high temperature and pyrotechnics.

Yarns and threads – Dresses made out of fine fabrics as wool, cotton, poplin, gauze, and dracons. Embroidered garments can be found as well.

Glass – There are still the classical methods for working with glass. Compression is still used in the designing of lamps. The blown glass of this region is the best and most famous in the whole country and it serves for dishes, cups, glasses, vases, decorative figures of people and animals. The stretched blown glass is considered the most difficult to make and is only used for decorative articles.

Metals – Bronze, copper, brass and tin are used in a great variety of products as lamps, decorative figures, candelabrums, street-lamps, frames, and flowerpots.

Papier Mâché – This material is useful for the several colorful products. Forms of animals and other shapes are very original.