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Tala, Jalisco facts for kids

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Tala
Municipality and town
Official seal of Tala
Seal
Location of the municipality in Jalisco
Location of the municipality in Jalisco
Tala is located in Mexico
Tala
Tala
Location in Mexico
Country  Mexico
State Jalisco
Area
 • Municipality 389.24 km2 (150.29 sq mi)
 • Town 7.51 km2 (2.90 sq mi)
Elevation
1,820 m (5,970 ft)
Population
 (2020 census)
 • Municipality 87,690
 • Density 225.285/km2 (583.49/sq mi)
 • Town
40,906
 • Town density 5,447/km2 (14,107/sq mi)
Area code(s) 384
Climate Cwa
Website https://www.talajalisco.gob.mx/

Tala is a town and a municipality located in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It started as a small town and has grown quite a bit over the years. Some of the main towns within the municipality include Tala (which is the main town), El Refugio, San Isidro Mazatepec, Cuisillos, and Ahuisculco.

History of Tala

Tala's name comes from "Tlallan," which means "Land of labor." It was once a special area ruled by someone named Pythaloc. This ruler also oversaw other places like Ahuitzculco and Ocotán. People believe Tala was founded a very long time ago, around the year 1126.

Spanish Arrival and Changes

In 1530, a Spanish explorer named Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán took control of Tala. The next year, in 1531, missionaries like Fray Antonio de Segovia began teaching about Christianity. The Spanish found old ruins and shrines in the Tala Valley. The local people did not give up easily and fought two battles against the conquerors.

Tala became part of a larger Spanish territory called the Kingdom of Nueva Galicia. Its first leader under Spanish rule was Francisco Socorro Nuño de Guzmán. Later, Pedro Patiño de Guzmán took his place. In 1579, Diego de Colio was put in charge.

The people of Tala loved their forests, but the Spanish made them cut down many trees. Because of this, some people started calling the town "Talatitlán" as a joke. This name eventually changed to the "Tala" we know today.

Growth and City Status

Tala remained an important area throughout the time Mexico was a Spanish colony. By 1825, it was part of the first Canton of Guadalajara and had its own town hall. The town hall was officially set up on April 3, 1844.

Over the years, Tala continued to grow. In 1887, it was officially recognized as a town. By 1890, it included several other towns and farms like El Refugio and San Isidro. In 1920, Cuxpala and San Isidro also joined the municipality.

On January 10, 1980, Tala was officially made a city. This happened because it had made great progress in many areas, including its economy, culture, and population growth. The people of Tala were known for their strong community spirit and good qualities.

Fun Things to See and Do in Tala

Tala offers many interesting places to visit and fun activities.

Historical Places to Visit

  • Temple of San Francisco de Asís: This is a beautiful old church.
  • Chapel of the Rosary: Another historic chapel.
  • Treasury of the Orendaín Refuge: A place with historical importance.

Ancient Sites

In the Tala Valley, you can find old ruins from before the Spanish arrived. These are known as "Guachimonton" in the region. They were once shrines or special places.

Festivals and Celebrations

Tala has two main festivals:

  • The Caña Fair: This fair celebrates sugar cane and happens at the end of April and beginning of May.
  • Feasts of San Francisco de Asís: These celebrations honor Saint Francis of Assisi and take place from September 26 to October 4.

Music and Arts

Templo de Tala 4622A17C-4C9A-4F56-8545-36C8A8406919
Main Church of Tala

You can often hear traditional Mexican music like Mariachi and Banda in Tala. For handicrafts, local artists create items from obsidian (a type of volcanic glass) and leather goods.

Traditional Clothing

The traditional outfits include the charro suit, worn by Mexican horsemen, and the "poblana china" dress, a colorful dress for women.

Delicious Food

When you visit Tala, you can try:

  • Birria: A tasty stew, often made with goat or beef.
  • Piloncillo: A type of unrefined sugar.
  • Dulce de leche: A sweet caramel-like treat.
  • Fruits in syrup: Sweetened fruits.
  • Cane juice: A refreshing drink made from sugar cane.
  • Punch and coffee with liquor: Drinks for adults.
  • Cane mezcal: A strong alcoholic drink made from sugar cane.

Nature and Parks

The municipality has beautiful natural forests. These include areas in "La Primavera" Ahuisculco, Cerro de Las Garzas, Cerro Monte Negro, and Las Navajas Hill. There are also spas like Los Tejabanes and El Rincón where you can relax.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Tala (Jalisco) para niños

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