Quitupan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Quitupan
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Municipality and town
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Location of the municipality in Jalisco
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 Quitupan
Location in Mexico
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| Country |  Mexico |
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| State | Jalisco | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 674.3 km2 (260.3 sq mi) | |
| • Town | 1.23 km2 (0.47 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2020 census)
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| • Total | 7,734 | |
| • Density | 11.4697/km2 (29.706/sq mi) | |
| • Town | 1,466 | |
| • Town density | 1,192/km2 (3,087/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central Standard Time) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (Central Daylight Time) | |
Quitupan is a town and a local government area (called a municipality) in the southeastern part of Jalisco, a state in Mexico. The name Quitupan comes from old words like "Quitoa" or "Quitla". These words mean "a place where important agreements or treaties are made" or "a place located high up."
Contents
History of Quitupan
Early Beginnings and Peace Treaties
The town of Quitupan was officially founded by indigenous people. This happened when a peace treaty was made between the tarascos (also known as Purépechas) and other native groups. This important agreement took place about ten years before the Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico.
In 1580, a count of the population, called a census, showed that 30 families lived there.
Spanish Arrival and New Leaders
The town was later taken over by Alonso de Avalos. However, he still respected the local leaders of the native people. In 1522, Cortés sent one of his generals, Cristóbal de Olid, to take control of Quitupan and the areas around it.
In 1530, another Spanish leader, Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán, came to count the native people. He also set up a new way of governing the area.
Religious Influence and Unification
The Franciscans, a group of Christian missionaries, led the effort to teach Christianity in Quitupan. Friar Martin de Jesus started preaching in 1530. Friars Juan de Padilla and Miguel de Bologna joined him in 1532.
Later, Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza visited the area. He was sent by King Charles I of Spain. His job was to bring peace to the different indigenous groups in New Spain (which is now Mexico). He also worked to unite the land, which was divided among different Spanish conquerors.
Modern Era and Official Recognition
In the second half of the 1800s, the region saw many fights. These were between groups with different political ideas, called conservatives and liberals. Other important historical events include the work of the Franciscans, a revolution in 1920, and the Guerra Cristera (a conflict over religious freedom).
On October 28, 1870, Quitupan was officially recognized as a municipality (a local government area) of the state of Jalisco. Its first president was Francisco Lorenzo Gonzalez.
Geography of Quitupan
Quitupan is located in the southeastern part of the state of Jalisco. Its northern border is between 19° 39' 20" and 19°58’ 10" latitude. Its western border is between 102° 45’ and 103° 01’ longitude. The town is 1,593 meters (about 5,226 feet) above sea level.
Land Features and Mountains
More than half of Quitupan's land (55%) is made up of rough, mountainous areas. Some of these mountains reach heights of 2,100 meters (about 6,890 feet) above sea level. About 25% of the land is part of the Mazamitla mountain range.
Another quarter of the land (25%) consists of foothills. These are lower hills at the base of mountains, with heights from 1,650 to 1,800 meters (about 5,413 to 5,905 feet). The remaining 20% of the land is flat plains. These plains are between 1,550 and 1,650 meters (about 5,085 to 5,413 feet) high.
Climate and Weather
Quitupan has a semi-arid climate. This means it is generally dry. Winters and springs are dry and somewhat warm, with small changes in temperature.
The average temperature for the year is 19 °C (about 66 °F). The highest temperature usually reaches 26.71 °C (about 80 °F). The rainy season starts in June and lasts until August. During this time, Quitupan gets an average of 807.3 millimeters (about 31.8 inches) of rain.
Lakes and Lagoons in Quitupan
The Guadalupe lagoon is also known as El Quiringual. This is because three-quarters of the lagoon is near the small town of Quiringual. The town of El Quiringual has about 50 people living in it.
