Poncitlán

Poncitlán: “place of the God Pontzitl”

Population: 40,827

Founded: 1420

Jalisco
Jalisco is the home of the mariachis. These musical groups usually have 8 – 11 musicians. Guadalajara has an international mariachi festival each year.

History
This region belonged to the Tlatoanazgo de Coiman. Their inhabitants were of the cocaine tribes, which from the beginning of the 15th century until the arrival of the Spanish, were led by chiefs called Ponze, Ponzehui or Ponzetlán, from which the name "Poncitlán" may be derived. Adding to the similarity is the name of a Spanish invader, Pedro Ponce. Before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Chapalac chief also lived in Poncitlán. After a disagreement with Ponce in 1510, this chief left Poncitlán, taking many families with him. The group moved several times before finally settling in the present-day Chapala.

Famous citizens: General Tomás Moreno, Adelaida Cruz Soledad

Sites to Visit

Templo de Nstra. Señora del Rosario
Casa de la Cultura

Arts and Crafts

Woven baskets
Stone idols
Wooden sculptures
Leather huaraches (sandals)
Cross stitch embroidery
Embroidered belts

Festivals
Patronales de la Virgen del Rosario - October 7
Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe - December 12

Street Market Day: Thursday

Regional Foods

Birria de chivo – goat meat cooked in an adobe oven with maguey leaves
Pescado asado – grilled fish
Hueva – Mexican caviar
Raspado con jarabes – non-alcoholic drinks made with shaved ice and fresh fruit syrup