Tonalá
Tonalá is a city and municipality within the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area in the Mexican state of Jalisco. With an average altitude of 1,500 m above sea level, the area has 3 kinds of relief: areas of rugged terrain, semi, and flat areas.
The main elevations are the Cerro Cúpula de la Reina, and Xólotl, both 1,720 m above sea level.
The main river is the Santiago, originally called the Sichnahuay, which flows through the west and north of the territory. Tributaries include the Popul, Las Jicamas, and Agua Amarilla, all located in the east of the municipality.
There are also dams called La Rucia, De Sermeño, and El Ocotillo, as well as the Colimilla on the Santiago River itself. The Santiago River carves out one of the main natural attractions of the municipality, the Colimilla Gorge.
The municipality is also known for its thermal springs, which are said to have healing properties, dating back to the colonial period. The main thermal spring today is the Agua Caliente Springs.
The municipality contains 420 hectares of forest, mainly huisache, mesquite, holm oak, and oak. Most of the vegetation is deciduous, with leaves falling in the dry season, and shrubby plants.
Wildlife is mostly confined to the ravines and includes various rodents, skunks, deer, wild cats, armadillos, possums, and various bird species.
Tonalá has not been geared toward tourists in the sense of hotels, restaurants, and scenic streets. Despite this, it received thousands of visitors each week, most drawn by the street market that is set up each Thursday and Sunday.
Tonalá is best known as a major handicrafts center for Jalisco, especially pottery.
The market is located in the center of the city’s main road for about a kilometer and extends into adjacent side streets. This street market hosts between 3,500 and 4,000 vendors, especially during Christmas and Holy Week.
Climate & Weather
The climate is semi-dry with the driest months in the winter and spring.
It is semi-warm without a well-defined winter with about six days a year with temperatures at freezing or below. Most of the annual rainfall, 900mm, falls between July and October. Dominant winds are from the east.
The best time to visit Tonalá
The best time to visit Tonalá is from November to April when the weather is mild and dry. Temperatures are comfortable, and there is little rainfall, making it ideal for exploring markets, cultural sites, and outdoor attractions.
Avoid visiting from July to October if you prefer to stay dry, as these months see the most rainfall.
Origin of the name
Tonalá comes from the Nahuatl word “tonallan” which means “place where the sun rises”.
History & Timeline
Originally founded by the Tecuexes, Tonalá was the largest of their known lordships. The lordship extended over most of the central region of the current state of Jalisco, having its capital in the city of the same name.
Over time, this region integrated influences from Toltec, Nahua, and other migrant groups, including the nomadic Cocos. In 1510, the Purépecha groups attempted to conquer the region but eventually were repelled.
In 1530, the Spanish arrived in the area under Nuño de Guzmán. At that time, Tonalá was the capital of a dominion ruled by Cihualpilli Tzapotzinco. This dominion included several settlements, which paid tribute to Tonalá.
The Spanish conquest created division among the local leaders. While Cihualpilli sought to avoid conflict and offered gifts to Guzmán, other leaders, particularly from Coyolán, Ichcatán, Tzalatitán, and Tetlán, chose to resist.
On March 25, 1530, approximately 3,000 indigenous warriors fought the Spanish.
After several hours of combat, the Spaniards eventually emerged victorious. Cihualpilli was subsequently baptized as Juana Bautista, and the territory was renamed Nueva Galicia, and Tonalá became Santiago de Tonalá.
After the conquest, the region was initially governed by Diego Vásquez Buendía. Tonalá remained the main settlement until the founding of Guadalajara in 1535. Evangelization efforts continued until the early 17th century.
After Mexico’s independence, Tonalá became one of Jalisco’s 26 departments in 1824 and was officially recognized as a town. However, that same year, it was placed under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Zapotlanejo.
Throughout the 19th century, Tonalá’s status fluctuated – mentioned as a municipality in an 1873 decree but later made subordinate to Zapotlanejo and San Pedro in 1889. Later Tonalá regained its status as a municipality.
Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing
The municipal palace (local government building), stands out with its clock tower and arches, decorated with traditional ceramic tile motifs. Inside, there are ceramic murals by Salvador Vázquez and Francisco Basulto.
In 2013, was opened the Tonalá Puebla-Museo exhibition hall and museum to showcase local crafts, arts, and culture.
The main church of the city is the Santiago Apostol Parish. Built in the 16th century, it is the second oldest church in the Valley of Atemajac. The church is known for hosting the Dance of the Tastoanes on July 25 in honor of Saint James.
The church’s atrium has a monument to Pius IX, created in 1887. Its facade is made of sandstone, with buttresses and a medallion featuring the date March 24, 1813, and lion gargoyles.
The main entrance has pilasters supporting a frieze. Above it is a choir window framed with relief vegetation and topped by a niche. The church has a single bell tower with two levels. Inside, there are three naves with a vaulted ceiling and a Neo-Classical main altar.
The Capilla de la Cruz Blanca (White Cross Chapel) is where the first mass in western Mexico was held in 1530 by Franciscan monks. Its exterior is simple and made of stone, with two small bell towers. Inside, murals depict local flora and fauna.
The Santuario del Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart Sanctuary) was built in the 19th century in Gothic style over the old Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Hospital. It features a large oil painting of “Via Crucis” showing the stations of the cross.
The San Gaspar Parish, built in the 16th century, is named after one of the Three Kings.
Another 16th-century parish is the Purísima Concepción.
Main cultural centers include the Museo Nacional de la Cerámica, Casa de Artesanos, and Museo Tonallan.
The Museo Nacional de la Cerámica focuses on Jalisco ceramics, especially from Tonalá. It also features ceramics from other parts of the country and a hall dedicated to miniatures.
Founded in 1986, the museum has about 500 pieces, ranging from pre-Hispanic times to modern winners of competitions. It has faced financial struggles but remains open today. The museum’s collection includes various types of Tonalá ceramics.
The Tonallán Museum showcases the history and handcrafts from the pre-Hispanic period. It has three halls: one for painting, sculpture, and folk art, one for archeology and traditional ceramics, and one for the Tastoanes dance.
The museum also offers interactive pottery workshops for schools.
The Tonalá Regional Museum, housed in a rustic adobe building, hosts temporary exhibits by regional artists and artisans.
Another cultural institution is the Casa de Artesanos. It features areas selling the region’s handicrafts, including murals and a permanent collection of the town’s best works.
Overlooking the town is the Cerro de la Reina (Queen’s Hill). At the summit, there is a monument to her, a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, and a flagpole with Jalisco’s tallest Mexican flag, the sixth highest in the country.
The hill was once the site of the queen’s home.
Nearby tourist attractions (1-day trip)
Lake Chapala
Lake Chapala is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. It offers beautiful views, birdwatching, and opportunities for boat tours. The surrounding towns are known for their charming streets, colonial architecture, and relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re near Lake Chapala, don’t miss the Chapala Malecón, a scenic promenade along the lake’s shore. It features lovely parks, piers, and opportunities to relax with lake views, making it a great spot for an afternoon stroll.
Tlaquepaque
Tlaquepaque is famous for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. The town is filled with galleries, artisan workshops, and lively restaurants. Visitors can enjoy the stunning hand-painted pottery, blown glass, and other traditional crafts.
Tequila
About 80 km from Tonalá, Tequila is the birthplace of Mexico’s famous spirit. The town and surrounding agave fields are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit distilleries to learn about the production process and enjoy tequila tastings.
Guachimontones
Located around 50 km from Tonalá, Guachimontones is an ancient archaeological site known for its ancient circular pyramids, unique to this region. Guachimontone is set in a picturesque area, offering a mix of history and nature.
Bosque de la Primavera
Bosque de la Primavera is a large forest area located about 30 km from Tonalá. It offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and the chance to connect with nature. It’s an excellent option for a day trip with scenic views and fresh air.
Traditions, Holidays & Festivals
Fiestas de Sol (“Sun Festival”) takes place in the first half of April. It brings together artisans from all over Jalisco, as well as traditional dances, food, parades, the election of a queen, cultural and musical events, and much more.
The Santa Cruz Festival takes place in May and is celebrated with processions in each of the city’s neighborhoods, centered around the carrying of a cross.
Saint James, the patron saint of the city, is celebrated on July 25. This event is characterized by the dance of the Matachin and the Tastoanes, symbolizing the historic battle between the indigenous and the conquistadors.
According to the legend, Saint James appeared during the battle to help the Spaniards.
The municipality hosts the annual Concurso Nacional de la Cerámica, which offers a decent cash prize for original ceramic pieces. The event features artisans from Michoacan, Oaxaca, Chihuahua, the State of Mexico, and Jalisco.
Souvenirs & Crafts
The most notable economic activity in the region is handicrafts, especially pottery. It is a major center of this activity in Jalisco, along with Tlaquepaque. The city has been a center for ceramics since the pre-Hispanic period.
Tonalá also produces other handicrafts, with blown glass coming in second place after ceramics. Others include ironwork, woodworking, especially furniture, cartonnage (animals, clowns, and dolls), pewter and brass items.
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