Metropolitano Park
Zapopan city hall has backtracked on its decision to cancel all 24 private concessions within the Parque Metropolitano, the largest park in the metro area.
City officials had closed all businesses operating in the park after a youngster walking with his parents was struck by a stray “bullet” from the “Gotcha” paintball concession.
After reconsideration, authorities decided to allow 15 food and drink concessions to continue their trade, even though few have complied fully with municipal ordinances governing green spaces.
The remaining concessions, which include Tyrolean traversing, inflatable bouncy castles, bicycle rental and row boats, as well as the paintball attraction, will need to prove their safety before being allowed to reopen.
The tree-filled Parque Metropolitano offers 10 kilometers of walking, running and cycling tracks, as well as many picnic areas. There are dedicated sports areas, children play zones, a nursery, bathrooms and an exclusive zone for dogs. (Dogs on leads are welcome throughout the park.) Free open-air movie shows are offered on Thursdays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
The park is located at the convergence of Avenida Independencia and Beethoven in Colonia La Estancia on the western side of the metro area. Its busiest day of the week is Sunday. There is no entrance fee to the park.
Take the kids to the zoo
Children under 11 years old do not have to pay for the Guadalajara Zoo’s aquarium, train, safari or “Guadazoo” packages this weekend. Kids will be entitled to the benefits of any packet for free if accompanied by an adult who must pay full price (from 63 to 153 pesos) on Saturday and Sunday. The Zoologico Guadalajara is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with normal prices applying for all on weekdays. It is located at Paseo del Zoologico 600 in Huentitan El Alto.
Expo Guadalajara
Upcoming events at the Expo Guadalajara convention center (Mariano Otero 1499, five blocks from Plaza del Sol):
Expo Tu Mejor Colegio (Jan. 26-27). Info on private schools, from kindergarten to colleges.
Expo Tu Boda (Jan. 26-27). Products and services for weddings and social events.
Expo Triatlon (Feb. 1-3). Manufacturers, distributors and providers of products or services related to swimming, cycling and running.
Feria Internacional de Helado (Feb. 5-7) Industrial and commercial fair related to ice cream, desserts and cold drinks.
Expo Mueble Internacional Invierno (Feb. 13-16) Exhibition of furniture, accessories, lighting and decoration, aimed at wholesalers and industry specialists.
Expo Cafe & Gourmet (Feb. 21-23) Exhibition of food, wine, coffee and specialist drinks.
Expo Pack (Feb. 27-Mar. 2) Packaging and processing industry fair.
Expo Espacio 15 (Mar. 2-3) Products and services for quincenas (15th birthday celebrations) and other social events.
Expo Vida Ecologica (Mar. 22-24) Environmental services and technology aimed at providing sustainable ecological solutions for improving the quality of life.
‘El Juli’ to miss bullfight
Renowned Spanish bullfighter Julian “El Juli” Lopez will miss his scheduled appearance at Guadalajara’s Nuevo Progreso Plaza de Toros on Sunday, February 3, having fractured his left arm in a car crash in his native country.
The organizers in Guadalajara considered postponing his appearance until late February or early March, but medical experts say Lopez will need to rest for two months, meaning he will miss 14 bullfights across Mexico in February.
The corridos take place every Sunday in February at 4.30 p.m. The bullring is located beside the Estadio Jalisco soccer stadium at Pirineos 1930, just off the Calzada Independencia in Colonia Monumental. Tickets range from 90 to 1,350 pesos.
City loses equestrian finals
Guadalajara will not host the Equestrian World Cup in 2015, after the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) revoked the city’s right to stage the event last week. Guadalajara’s bid to host the event was approved in June 2012, but the organizers have been unable to meet in full the requirements imposed by the FEI.
Upcoming pro soccer games
Estudiantes Tecos vs. Veracruz (Tres de Marzo) Friday, January 25, 8 p.m.
Atlas vs. America (Estadio Jalisco) Saturday, January 26, 9 p.m.
Leones Negros vs. Correcaminos (Estadio Jalisco) Friday, February 1, 8.30 p.m.
Guadalajara Chivas vs. San Luis (Estadio Omnilife) Sunday, February 3, 5 p.m.