The tiny town of Tlajomulco, well known for the giant impetus it gives to culture via its longstanding program of historical tours under the umbrella of “Rutas Franciscanas” (Franciscan Routes), continues to roll out the red carpet to foreign and Mexican tourists with its popular photographic bus tours and, this fall, horseback tours and mariachi galas, many free of charge.
The “Rutas Franciscanas” recapitulate the historical record of Franciscan monks in Mexico, who, between the 16th and 18th centuries, were the first Europeans to explore this part of Mexico and who built, or promoted the building of, churches, chapels and small hospitals.
Many of the Tlajomulco-based outings take in historical structures in a dozen or so nearby communities, which are centered around churches in the ornate and august baroque style or in the “popular baroque” style, also called Arte Tequicki. Churches in the Arte Tequicki style were constructed by indigenous people, some of whose descendants still live in these communities and who struggle to conserve the churches and the culture, including traditional musical instruments and prehispanic animal motifs that have their roots in past centuries.A cultural immersion lasting several hours awaits those who sign on by phoning the town’s active tourism department. A program that is just concluding focuses on photo-taking opportunities and visits to local artisans. (Tlajomulco boasts unique traditions in tequila-, molcajete- and cheese-making.)
An upcoming program (set for Saturday, September 8 and Saturday and Sunday, October 6 and 7) is for horseback riders (cabalgatas). In these outings, up to 700 riders have participated in past years, visiting local spots of historical interest. This is obviously a horse country. Many cabalgata participants own horses, while those who don’t can rent them.
“It is a five-hour trip,” said Tlajomulco City Hall cultural organizer Leticia Alcázar, “so participants must be very comfortable on horseback.” She said she can help participants who don’t own horses to locate private companies who rent them.
Another Tlajomulco City Hall effort focuses on mariachi music and is related to this fall’s mariachi festival in Guadalajara. Two free events are set for 7 p.m. Saturday, September 1 (in the “Chivabarrio” community center) and Saturday, September 8 (in the town of San Agustin, off Lopez Mateos between Santa Anita Golf Club and the Plaza Outlet).
“These are high quality concerts,” stressed Alcázar. “The two groups, Los Camperos de Nati Cano and Mariachi America de Jesus Rodriguez play in the Degollado on other nights. Our events have seats too, but people need to arrive in advance.” Alcázar also noted that she can arrange free bus tours for large and small groups from Chapala and that buses will come to Chapala to pick up participants.
Contact Tlajomulco City Hall Tourism director Leticia Alcázar, (33) 3283-4433, or (33) 3283-4400, ext. 3240 or 3241; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Some events are scheduled in Cajititlán, a picturesque town located just 25 kilometers from Ajijic and about the same distance from Guadalajara off the Chapala-Guadalajara Highway.
To reach Tlajomulco, from Guadalajara take the highway to Colima and turn right onto the new circuito sur, just a couple of kilometers beyond Las Plazas Outlet shopping center. You will have to make a u-turn about a half-kilometer down the road to head back to Tlajomulco. From Ajijic, head to Cajititlan and continue on to Tlajomulco.