Jesús María, Jalisco

Jesús María is a town in the region of Los Altos of the Mexican state of Jalisco, approximately 2 hours east of Guadalajara. The population of Jesús María is 17,884 as of 2005.

Jesús María
Municipality and Town
Location of the municipality in Jalisco
Jesús María
Location in Jalisco
Jesús María
Location in Mexico
Coordinates: 20°36′28.05″N 102°13′27.17″W
Country Mexico
StateJalisco
Area
  Total489.29 km2 (188.92 sq mi)
Population
 (2005)
  Total17,884
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central Standard Time)
  Summer (DST)UTC-5 (Central Daylight Time)

History

The official name of Jesús María Municipality has its origin in the colonial age that is why in its respective name there is no reference to any pre-Hispanic word

The city was founded in 1530 by Spaniard Nuño de Guzmán who worked under Hernán Cortés. The town used to be part of the Spanish Empire (New Spain) before the Revolution, part of Nueva Galicia. In 1776 it was named Barranca de Viudas, after three Spanish women who founded the town. The region before that was populated by different tribes, The Toltecs (623 to 626) Chichimecas (800-1150)the Huicholes and finally the Aztecs in 1164 till the Spanish Conquest.

Demographics

The indigenous population of Jesús María, as of 2005, stands at .03%. Most of its population is, in colonial terms, Criollo (Mexican born Whites) or Mestizo (Amerindian and European Spanish).

Economy

Most of its economy depends on agriculture. 90% of it is corn, the rest are beans, wheat, pumpkin, sábila and agave for tequila production. Stockbreeding is used for exports to Guadalajara and 51% is used for internal consumption and sale. Its industries include factories for candy, tequila, shoes, and clothing. Touristic places of interest include the Templo Parroquial, a popular landmark constructed between 1835 and 1840. It is 30 meters high and has an unusual squared look to it. During the months of December and January for the "Las Fiestas Patronales" thousands of people from all over Mexico and the United States return to celebrate in honor of "La Sagrada Familia."

References

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