San Juan Tecomatlán

San Juan Tecomatlán: “place of Tecomates” (a type of squash)

Population: 3,500

Founded: 1547

Jalisco
In pre-Hispanic times, the Toltec ruled over the Kingdom of Xalisco. Their spiritual knowledge and practices were forced underground for centuries, passed down in secret through different lineages of “naguals” or guides. Don Miguel Ruiz is a contemporary “nagual” who writes and teaches about the ancient Toltec wisdom.

Sites to Visit

Capilla del Sr. de la Misericordia
Iglesia de San Juan de Evangelista
The Tinaja Dam
Wild purple sunflowers in the area- in August

Arts and Crafts
Hand embroidery, water color paintings, sculptures in wood and stone

Festivals

Patronales de San Juan Bautista - June 24 – 29
Fiesta de St. Peter and St. Paul - June 29
On this day a religious ceremony is held, then the whole village delights in having a giant water fight. Visitors will get wet this day. The day ends with horse races, the winner taking home a live chicken.

Street Market Day(s): Saturday and Sunday

Regional Foods

Pozole – a corn and pork soup
Ponche de Granada – pomegranate punch made with chocolate and alcohol
Pajarete – Warm milk, straight from the cow, is mixed with brown sugar and rum
“Cenadurias” are common in this village. Families prepare typical Mexican food outside their houses for sale to neighbors and visitors.