Mezcala de la Asunción

Mezcala de la Asunción: “place of Mezcals”

Population: 9,000

Founded: 1280

Jalisco
Traditional Jarabes ( or “Sweet Syrup”) originated in Jalisco. It is a dance claimed to have evolved evolved from an old Huichol dance “The Turkey.”

History
Mezcal is a popular alcoholic beverage distilled from the cactus plant of the same name. Mezcala Island is a few kilometers southeast of Mezcala. It is also known as El Presidio. From 1812-1816, a small band of rebels, including J.Encarnación Rosas, Marcos Castellanos, Luis Macías and José Santana, held off the Spanish army and navy against overwhelming odds. Tired of the humiliation, the Spanish finally negotiated a peaceful surrender with the insurgents, without any negative consequences to them or their families. The island then became a prison for some years.

Famous citizens
José Santana – a leader of the insurgents at the Battle of Mezcala.

Sites to Visit

Iglesia de la Asunción -constructed in 1703
Museum of Mezcala - display of ancient arrowheads, hatchets and other early Weaponry
Mezcala Island – hire a fisherman for a trip to the island
Hiking trails to El Toro and El Comal - pectacular views, birds, wild orchids from September to November

Arts and Crafts
Embroidery and needlework

Festivals
Fiesta de la Santa Cruz - May 3rd to 5th
La Fiesta de San Antonio - June 13th
Patronales María de la Asunción - August 6th to 17th

Regional Foods

Charales – small fried fish eaten like potato chips
Pozole – corn and pork soup
Birria Tatemade – pork stew with meat cooked in adobe oven with leaves of maguey
Bebidas de horchata, Jamaica or Tamarindo – non-alcoholic drinks made with rice, hibiscus flowers or tamarind (a native fruit)