The Guadalajara Reporter

City Living - September 7, 2013

Tequila expo

More than 50 tequila producers have set up shop in Tlaquepaque for the third Expo Tequila Tlaquepaque, which runs from Thursday, September 5 through Sunday, September 8, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Centro Cultural El Refugio (Donato Guerra 160, between Contreras Medellín and Prisciliano Sánchez). Fans of Mexico’s firewater will find at least 150 different brands of tequila on exhibit and for tasting.

Activities planned during the expo include a traditional waiter’s race, as well as exhibitions of some 4,000 miniature tequila bottles (a Guinness record) and the largest tequila bottle in the world (35 liters).

Organizers expect around 35,000 visitors to attend the expo, spending around four million pesos at the show and at bars, restaurants and stores in and around town.

In a parallel event, a statue of Mexican composer Manuel Esperón González will be unveiled on Tlaquepaque’s Calle Progreso on Friday, September 6. Esperón González (1911-2011) wrote many songs for Mexican films, including the world famous “Ay, Jalisco, no te rajes!” for the movie of the same name. His statue will stand outside the Casa Moctezuma, where parts of the 1941 film were shot.

The expo is being organized by the Tlaquepaque Chamber of Commerce, Tlaquepaque City Hall and the Tequila Regulatory Council.

British Evening

British residents of Guadalajara and their friends will gather for another informal monthly get-together at the home of Gail and Sandro Songini on Saturday, September 21, from 8.30 p.m. onwards. 

The evenings provide the chance for expat Brits to chew the fat over a drink or two.  All are asked to bring a plate of grub and their favorite tipple. For more information and directions call (33) 3641-7331.

Belen tours

Daytime and nighttime tours of Guadalajara’s historic and photogenic Belen Cemetery (Panteón de Belén) have always been popular. Now there are more opportunities than ever to visit this fascinating city cemetery that many locals insist is haunted.

Tours from Tuesday through Saturday run at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Evening tours start at 8:30 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

The daytime entry fee is 22 pesos, or 60 pesos with a camera. The nighttime tours cost 60 pesos, and cameras and children under 12 not allowed. Be warned, these after-dark jaunts can be spooky. All the tours are conducted in Spanish.

The Panteón de Belén is located at Belén 684, corner of Eulogio Parra in the Centro Historico. For more information call (33) 3614-1978 or (33) 3613-7786.

Amsoc Grito celebration

The American Society of Jalisco (AmSoc) celebrates Mexican Independence Day early with a special dinner on Saturday, September 14. The luncheon includes traditional fare such as tacos, gorditas and quesadillas, plus dessert, all for just 90 pesos.

Non-members are invited to join in with the festivities with AmSoc regulars. Doors open at 12 noon and lunch will be served at 1.30 p.m. AmSoc is located at San Francisco 3332 in Colonia Chapalita. Call (33)3121-2395 for more information.

Trompo Magico

While the excellent Trompo Magico children’s museum is well worth its 40-peso entry fee, its curators are keen to widen its appeal in the community.

In a practical move, the museum will allow visitors to enter free of charge on Thursdays for the rest of the year. A previous pilot program permitted free entry on Wednesdays after 2 p.m.

The well-designed Trompo Magico has plenty of hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Many adults will also find the scientific exhibits of great interest.

The museum is located at Avenida Central 750, Fraccionamiento Residencial Poniente, Zapopan. Open Tuesdays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Mondays. Call (33) 3030-0031.

Upcoming soccer matches

Atlas vs. Santos (Estadio Jalisco) Saturday, September 7, 9 p.m.

Chivas vs. Tijuana (Estadio Omnilife) Sunday, September 15, 5 p.m.