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City Living - September 6, 2014

Metro Can, the largest dog park in Mexico, opened its doors in Zapopan’s Parque Metropolitano last weekend. Judging from the eager crowds of users who have been taking their pooches there ever since, it should prove to be as popular as the rest of the park itself.  Proof of this: Last Wednesday evening, as the light faded, at least 30 dogs and their owners were still using the new dedicated playground for dogs.

The park spans 2.5 hectares, contained within a bright yellow, plastic fence. The only drawback is that while the fence is strong and attractive, it is low and will not prevent larger dogs from escaping from the park should they wish.

Located near the main entrance to the play space is a broad range of durable agility equipment and obstacles that have been donated by dog food manufacturer Gran Can, the park’s main sponsors.  Dogs being dogs, on Wednesday most seemed to be enjoying the  different activities, even if some needed convincing to test out the rigs by their owners.  

A small, muddy lake is also a great source of fun for dogs with no fear of water.  

Gran Can has pumped around one million pesos into the park and although there is room for improvement (a few more benches would be a first step), the park is receiving positive reviews.

The main entrance to Parque Metropolitano is at Beethoven and Independencia in Colonia Estancia. The dog park entrance is at Bach and Independencia.

AMSOC

The next big event at the American Society (Amsoc) is the Mexican Independence Day bash on Saturday, September 13.

Doors open at noon and lunch is served at 1 p.m. On the menu will be homemade tacos and flan – delicious Mexican staples.

There will be a 50-50 raffle, door prizes and many of the typical fun extras associated with Mexico’s national day, such as loteria, the Mexican version of bingo.

Expect Amsoc HQ to be decked out in red, white and green and the tequila and margaritas to be flowing freely.  

Ballet

As part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the city’s Tren Ligero (subway line), the excellent Ballet Folklorico de Colima troupe performs in the Plaza Universidad station on Saturday, September 6, 6 p.m.

Art on buildings

At least 15 buildings in Guadalajara are getting an artistic lick of paint thanks to the new program, “Arte en tu ciudad.” One of the first interventions was at an apartment complex on Avenida Alcalde, where artists painted a life-like mural of Mexico’s much loved comic actor, Cantinflas (Mario Moreno).  The paint is being provided free of charge by the local firm Comex.

Tonala: a Pueblo Magico?

The Guadalajara crafts suburb of Tonala has started a quest to become Mexico’s next Pueblo Magico (Magic Town), a special status awarded for outstanding cultural heritage and beauty, and a commitment to preservation.

To promote the plan, Tonala Mayor Jorge Arana has kicked off the Ruta “Tonallan” (Tonallan Route), a tour embracing 12 of the municipality’s most popular tourist stops. Buses are expected to run between the various locations, taking visitors from the central Plaza Cihualpilli to museums, galleries and the workshops of leading ceramists.  A highlight on the tour will be a visit to the Cerro de la Reina (Queen’s Hill), which boasts the largest Mexican flag in Jalisco.