Page 134 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL EATING IBERIA

Jaliscocelebratesthe

soulofMexicofrom

thecitytothesea

Story&PhotographyMaribethMellin

any Mexican states are defined by their indige-
nous cultures: the Maya in Yucatán, Aztec in
MMexico City, Tarahumara in Chihuahua. Jalisco
stands out as the birthplace of Mexico's more modern
cultural icons. The exuberant mariachi music essential to
all festive occasions originated in Jalisco, as did the
swirling, stomping moves of the famed Mexican hat
dance, Mexico's national dance. Charrería, the Mexican
roping and riding rodeo, began on Jalisco's vast cattle
ranches. The national elixir originated in Jalisco's blue
agave region, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sprawling from the craggy Pacific coast inland
through valleys and forests, Jalisco is home to the colo-
nial-style resort destination of Puerto Vallarta, the expat
retirement magnet of Lake Chapala, and Guadalajara,
Mexico's second-largest city. The state’s music, dance,
architecture and art have influenced creators through-
out the country, and its food and drink are legendary. I
recently spent a few days exploring two sides of Jalisco
in Guadalajara and Careyes, a coastal community south
ALEGENDARY STATE
of Puerto Vallarta. Highlights abounded. Here are a few
of my favorite experiences.

134 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE 2020