Take advantage of the unique flavor Guadalajara has to offer. CEA offers a
variety of local immersion activities to match your interests. Whether you
enjoy music concerts, clubs, sports, cooking classes, language exchanges or
something entirely different, our resident staff can help you get involved in the
local culture. Here are just some examples.
Lucha Libre (wrestling)
This is a great chance to witness an intense sport in a local wrestling arena in downtown Guadalajara. Students will sit side by side with a wild mix of very wealthy young business men, the elderly, and even children from 4 to 12 years old. Snacks such as drinks, potato chips or popcorn accompany the match. Students may be surprised to find that the crowd can become so intense that the wrestlers interact verbally with fans while shouting and using sign language. Of course, the excitement doesn’t stop there. When fans begin to cheer “Silla, Silla, Silla” (chair), be vigilant and get out of the way—one of the wrestlers might shove his opponent out of the rink and into the first row of chairs where the fight will continue until they move back into the rink. Women are also known to become the center of male attention if they dare get up and wander away from their seats, adding to boisterous energy of the event.
Panteón de Belén
Students love this spooky nighttime graveyard tour where many former patients of the city’s hospital have found their final resting place. Built in 1848, Panteón de Belén is now a museum featuring the pre-revolutionary past of 19th century Mexico. Stories of past generations buried beneath the soil have evolved over the years such that the line between fact and fiction has become indistinct. A guide will share legends, myths and stories including the vampire who once dwelled among the living, the lovers who were forbidden to marry, the man who committed suicide and now wanders the graveyard, the mother buried alive by her two sons… and many more. As students pass each headstone they learn of countless tragedies and gothic wonders. Despite the macabre of the legends surrounding this place, a sense of peace and rebirth is palpable. The calm away from city traffic and serene shadows make this place a kind of oasis from the turbulent world outside the walls of the cemetery.
Tonala
Tonala is a town of craftsmen just minutes away from downtown Guadalajara where many artists make and sell their creations. Less of a tourist spot than Tlaquepaque, Tonala consists of factories and stores which are open to public. Many of the ceramics, pottery and fine china sold throughout Mexico are created by the six thousand artists who love living in Tonala. Two days per week the center of the town is transformed into a colorful and crowded open market of stands displaying unimaginable crafts. Some are a real deal, since the competition is aggressive during market days; this is a great opportunity for students to practice their bargaining skills! The downtown area of Tonala is also worth visiting, particularly the architecture of city hall and the main church. It may even be possible for students to visit one of the factories where they can witness the creation process of Tonala’s fine handicrafts.
Football
Football (soccer) is the national sport that few Mexicans will miss on a weekend. Games are a time of camaraderie or friendly rivalry between Mexicans, depending on which of the three teams are playing—Chivas, Atlas and Tecos. During game nights it seems that half of the city is either at the stadium, in a bar or in a friend’s home enjoying the game. Cheers and boos can be heard in almost any location as goals are scored or missed. Of course, the most intense experience is right in the heart of the action. Students will meet outside Estadio Jalisco, where World Cup matches took place in 1970 and 1986. Fans party outside the stadium sing cheers, wear the official t-shirts with the name and number of their favorite player, or even paint their faces with the colors of their team. The inside of the stadium is divided so that the followers of each team are easily identified through their clothes and cheers as they watch the excitement of the game.
CEA Work Shops
Students are invited to participate in workshops that will present a different face of Mexican culture. Activities include learning how to cook true Mexican dishes, how to dance to Mexican rhythms, how to play famous Mexican songs on the guitar or learn handcrafts such as pottery, paper mache, tin working, etc. This is a wonderful opportunity to become better acquainted with Mexico and its traditions.
Legends of Guadalajara
A night tour by walking or by bus. It’s a different way to get to know the city.
Tlaquepaque
A great place to shop and enjoy a good mariachi in the biggest cantina in Mexico el Parian.
Cinema
Students can catch the most recent Mexican or American films at the local cinema on Wednesday.
Museums and Art Galleries
Visit the various museums and art galleries in Guadalajara - la Virgen de Zapopan, Huichol museum, Museo de Arte de Zapopan MAZ. This is a great way to understand the role religion plays in Mexican culture.
