It’s just a coincidence that February 14 (Valentine’s Day or Dia del Amor y Amistad in Mexico) falls on the same day Guadalajara celebrates the 482nd anniversary of its founding in 1542.
A pleasant one, nonetheless, since it means the historic downtown area of the city comes alive with festivities and a general sharing of love and friendship.
Friday, February 14, Guadalajara’s birthday celebrations kick off with a guard of honor ceremony at the statue of Beatriz Hernandez (the acknowledged founder of Guadalajara) in the Plaza Fundadores (next to the Degollado Theater) at 8 a.m., followed by a rendering of Las Mañanitas in city hall at 9 a.m., and the handing out of 2,000 free picones (cakes).
Meanwhile, mojigangas (giant female clowns) will strut their stuff and amuse the crowds, before a series of cultural events set to run for the next five days are get underway across various stages, the main one placed on the Paseo Alcalde in front of the Rotunda of Illustrious Jaliscienses.
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