Guadalajara Update: 2024 Milestones Support 2025 Events and Attractions

17.12.2024 - 21:25 / travelpulse.com / North America

A pivot toward Mexico for cultural and event experiences is the 2025 promotional focus of Guadalajara, Jalisco tourism authorities. Across Mexico's second-largest urban area, an eventful 2024 hopes to catalyze new interest from US travel advisors and their clients, especially those seeking iconic expressions of genuine Mexican culture alongside the latest popular music events by celebrated artists worldwide.

Jalisco State is home to iconic cultural expressions firmly associated with Mexico, specifically the beverage tequila (first distilled here), the musical tradition of mariachi (a 19^th-century mash-up of musical traditions), and an unrivaled urban visitor experience. 

2024 saw numerous newsworthy accomplishments. One in particular belongs on many travelers’ wish lists: the reinstatement of the Tequila Express rail service (an investment of US$9 million), which now operates roundtrip routes on Fridays and Saturdays between Guadalajara and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Tequila.  

Pairing up appropriately with the Tequila experience is one of the city’s largest events, held annually in late August: the annual International Mariachi and Charrería Festival. It attracts an average of 500 mariachi bands from across the world, eager to share their unique takes on the traditional Mexican genre. Recently recognized in National Geographic's "Best of the World 2025" list, the event also celebrates charrería or the Mexican national sport of rodeo. 

“Guided by the foundational principles of tradition and innovation, Guadalajara is an ever-evolving city that is proudly rooted in iconic Mexican culture,” said Gustavo Staufert, CEO of the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau. “As we continue expanding and improving our tourism offerings, we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors in 2025 to experience our internationally recognized culinary scene, exceptional museums and galleries, and world-class events.”

In early 2025, internationally recognized singers and bands will perform across the city, bringing its world-class arenas and concert venues to life. Tickets are currently available on Ticketmaster for the following shows: 

After (or before) the shows, travelers will also love exploring one of the city's central neighborhoods, Colonial Americana, featuring numerous eateries, boutiques and galleries. Recognized in 2022 by Time Out as “the coolest neighborhood in the world,” Colonial Americana was recently designated as one of Mexico’s “Magical Neighborhoods,” a distinction given to emblematic neighborhoods across the country that reflect the spirit and essence of the city. The neighborhood is also home to El Gallo Altanero, recently named the #48 Best Bar in the World by The World’s 50 Best Bars.

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