Can You Check Off Everything on This List?
Do you consider yourself a true Tapatío, someone who knows Guadalajara inside and out?
Whether you were born in this vibrant city or have lived here long enough to embrace its culture, it’s time to test how much of a Tapatío star you really are! Take our playful checklist and see if you’ve mastered everything it takes to earn your Tapatío badge of honor.
And if you're just moving to Guadalajara, this is the perfect way to learn how to soon be recognized as a genuine Tapatío.
This quizz covers:
🍋🟩 Iconic taco stands
🍋🟩 The full meaning of "Chivas vs Atlas"
🍋🟩 The unmissable neighborhoods and famous avenidas
🍋🟩 Mastering Guadalajara’s unique phrases
🍋🟩 The must know local cuisine
🍋🟩 Tapatio-themed clothing/jewelry
🍋🟩 Navigating Guadalajara’s Traffic
🍋🟩 The 8 unmissable local events
🍋🟩 Tapatios' secret weakness
🍋🟩 And so much more to become a Guadalajara expert!
Are you ready to take our ultimate Tapatío checklist and see if you have what it takes to earn your Tapatío star? Let's go!
HOW MANY POINTS CAN YOU SCORE out of 22?
1. You Know Where to Find the Best Tacos at 2 AM 🌮
Have you ever found yourself craving tacos after a long night out and knew exactly which taco stand was still open? True Tapatíos have their favorite late-night taco spot (and bonus points if you’ve visited Tacos Charlie’s or Carnitas La Esperanza).
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Food & Beverage Top Events and curated guides.
👉 If you'd love to take traditional Mexican cuisine cooking classes, TWIG recommends Casa Humo.
2. You’ve Taken a Stroll Along Chapultepec Avenue on a Sunday🚶♂️
Whether it’s for a casual coffee, checking out street vendors, or enjoying some live music, Chapultepec Avenue is a must for any local. A true Tapatío knows the best spots to chill here on a lazy Sunday.
✨ TWIG Members can download the best of curated guides.
👉 If you need a pleasant certified bi-lingual guide with car to help you discover Guadalajara and Jalisco, TWIG recommends Anwar Tapia.
3. You Know the Full Meaning of "Chivas vs Atlas"⚽
Football is life, and Guadalajara's population is divided between the two teams, with Chivas, one of the most iconic and successful teams in Mexican football history, generally considered the more popular and widely supported team. However, Atlas has a dedicated fan base, particularly among younger generations and those seeking an alternative to Chivas' massive following. Whether you’re rooting for Chivas or Atlas, this fierce rivalry is something every Tapatío understands. Bonus points if you’ve been to a live match at Estadio Jalisco!
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Sports Top Events and curated guides.
4. You’ve Mastered Guadalajara’s Unique Phrases😂
Are you fluent in Jaliscan Spanish dialect and local slang? Words like "chido," "wey," and "güey" are part of everyday life in GDL. If you can smoothly incorporate these 12 slang phrases into your vocabulary, you're on the right track!
👉If you need a great affordable Spanish teacher, TWIG recommends Ademia School or/and to attend the Guadalajara Language Connection meetups.
✨ Chido
Meaning: Cool, awesome, amazing
Example: "Ese concierto fue chido!" (That concert was amazing!)
Origin: Possibly derived from the Nahuatl word "chido," meaning "good" or "beautiful."
✨ Wey / Güey or Buey
Meaning: Dude, guy, friend (informal)
Example: "¿Qué onda, wey?" (What's up, dude?)
Origin: Possibly derived from the indigenous word "huey," meaning "friend" or "brother."
✨ ¿Qué onda?
Meaning: "What's up?" or "How are you?"
Example: "¿Qué onda, wey?" (What's up, dude?)
✨ No manches
Meaning: "No way!" or "You're kidding!"
Example: "¡No manches! Eso es increíble" (No way! That's unbelievable)
✨ Ni modo
Meaning: "No worries," "Don't worry about it," or "That's okay."
Example: "Ni modo, ya pasó" (No worries, it's already happened).
✨ Dale / Chale or ¡Órale!
Meaning: "Alright!" or "Okay!"
Example: "¡Dale! Vamos al cine" (Alright! Let's go to the movies)
✨ Favorzote
Meaning: "Big favor"
Example: "Necessito un favorzote" (I need a favor from you).
✨ Llorón
Meaning: "Crybaby" or "Whiner."
Example: "No seas llorón, ¡ánimo!" (Don't be a crybaby, come on!).
✨ Me vale
Meaning: "I don't care" or "Whatever."
Example: "Me vale, haz lo que quieras" (I don't care, do what you want).
✨ Sale
Meaning: "Later" or "See you later."
Example: "Sale, nos vemos mañana" (Later, see you tomorrow).
✨ ¡Chin!
Meaning: "Annoyance, disappointment or anger."
Example: "¡Chin, me robaron la cartera!" (Damn, they stole my wallet!).
✨ No hay de que
Meaning: "You're welcome" or "No problem."
Example: "Gracias, no hay de que" (Thanks, you're welcome).
5. You’ve Celebrated "Grito de Independencia" at Plaza de Armas 🐦🔥
The Independence Day celebration in Guadalajara is no small affair. Every true Tapatío has experienced the vibrant energy at the Plaza de Armas for the "Grito" at least once! It occurs every September 15th at 9pm from the Governor's Palace and attracts over 100,000 attendees.
✨ TWIG Members can join TWIG's Exclusive El Grito Party from a rooftop hotel suite for free.
6. You Enjoy Local Cuisine😋
It’s not a Tapatío experience if you haven’t eaten a torta ahogada! These sandwiches drowned in spicy sauce are a cultural staple, and only true locals know how to handle the heat like a pro.
Local cuisine includes:
1. Birria: Goat meat stew with spices and tomatoes.
2. Red pozole: Hearty soup made with hominy and pork or chicken.
3. Tortas ahogadas: Thick tortillas topped with chorizo, refried beans, and cheese.
4. Tacos al pastor: Tacos filled with marinated pork, onions, and cilantro.
5. Carne en su jugo: Thinly sliced beef cooked in its own broth.
6. Chiles rellenos: Stuffed peppers with cheese, meat or vegetables.
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Food & Beverage Top Events and curated guides.
👉 If you'd love to take traditional Mexican cuisine cooking classes, TWIG recommends Casa Humo.
7. You Know How to Navigate Guadalajara’s Traffic Like a Boss 😨
Between rush hour jams and unpredictable drivers, navigating Guadalajara traffic is a skill in itself. If you know the best shortcuts or have mastered the art of not losing your temper, you're a step closer to your Tapatío star.
✨ TWIG Members can download the curated guide "Car Owners/Drivers"
8. You’ve Partied at a Traditional Mariachi Event 🎶
Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi, and no one celebrates it better than Tapatíos. So loving traditional Tapatio music (e.g., mariachi) is a must. Whether it’s at a friend’s party or in the street, if you’ve enjoyed a good mariachi performance, you're living the true Tapatío experience. The International Mariachi Festival occurs every end of August, early September and offers spectacular performances not to be missed.
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Festivals & Music Top Events and curated guides.
9. You’ve Attended a Sunday Charro 🐎
The Charro tradition dates back to the 19th century, when Jalisco was a major hub for cattle ranching and horse breeding. Charros were skilled cowboys who worked on ranches. You can attend a charro show either:
Every sundays⏰12-5pm👉Av. Dr. Roberto Michel 577, La Aurora,GDL🎫$60 MXN
During The International Mariachi Festival (end of August, early September)
During the National Charro Championship (September).
During the Dia de los Muertos festivities (November).
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Festivals & Top Events and curated guides.
10. You’ve Attended the World Famous FIL 📚
Every November since 1987, the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), the largest book fair in the Americas and the second-largest in the world after Frankfurt's, attracts over 200,000 attendees at the Expo Guadalajara convention center, during a nine-day event that brings together book industry professionals, authors, and readers from around the globe.
This Year's Event will take place from November 30 to December 8, with Spain as the guest of honor. Mark your calendars for an exciting celebration of literature and culture!
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Literature & Festivals Top Events and curated guides.
11. You’ve Attended an ALTEA's Show ✨
For 23 years, Altea, a 100% Guadalajara-based company, has become a benchmark for the creation of transcendent experiences that impact, inspire and strengthen the values of our culture, creating a sense of pride and belonging through technology, art and creativity. They are the creators of:
GDLUZ: the only Festival of Light inspired by Mexican folklore. Free every February for Guadalajara's Anniversary.
Calaverandia Theme Park: Every November to commemorate Dia de los Muertos.
Navidalia Theme Park: Every December to celebrate Christmas from 4 different parts of the world (Mexico, Europe, Orient and Nordic).
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Top Events and curated guides.
12. You’ve Attended the FICG 🎬
Every June since 1986, the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG) showcases a diverse range of films, including Mexican and international productions. The festival aims to promote Mexican cinema globally and provide a platform for emerging filmmakers.
The 2025 edition will be held from Friday 6th to Saturday 14th June 2025. Mark your calendars for an exciting celebration of Cinema!
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Literature & Festivals Top Events and curated guides.
13. You’ve Attended a Performance in an 1900 Mansion
Guadalajara boasts numerous majestic mansions from the 1900s due to its prosperous history and cultural significance during the Porfirio Díaz era (1876-1911). They are influenced by European architecture, mostly French and Italian styles.
A stunning 19th-century mansion located Calle Francisco Indalecio Madero, Mexicaltzingo, Guadalajara. You can catch events like Phantom of the Opera, Romeo & Juliette, or Harry Potter Interactive Experience starting from $299 pesos.
Mansión Magnolia is has stunning neoclassical architecture. You can catch events like Candlelight: Navidad, Candlelight: Las Cuatro Estaciones de Vivaldi, and Candlelight: Clasicos del Rock, with prices starting from $299 pesos. Located at Calle Francisco Indalecio Madero 636, Mexicaltzingo, Guadalajara.
Gran Casa Xalisco is a boutique hotel with 10 rooms, situated at Nicolás Regules No. 61, Centro, Guadalajara. You can enjoy events like Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA, Candlelight: Leyendas del Rock Mexicano, and Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons, with prices starting from $299 pesos.
Mansión Clover Lawn hosts various events, including Hotel Drácula + Fiesta Disfraces Scream Park, with prices starting from $550 pesos. It's also home to the mystery dinner and show musical, "Drácula," and the recorrido nocturno por los jardines.
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Top Events and curated guides.
14. You’ve Bike Via-Recrativa🚲
Guadalajara's Via Recreativa was a pioneer in Mexico's car-free day initiatives! Inspired by Bogotá's Ciclovía (Colombia), it initially started in 2017 with 12 kms (7 miles) of car-free roads. In 2006, the Vía RecreActiva was extended to the municipality of Zapopan; in 2008 to Tlaquepaque; and in 2010 to Tonalá, covering over 32 kms (20 miles) of principal avenues, and promoting recreation, socialization, and community engagement. Read this article to make the best of via-Recrativa,
When: Every Sunday (9am - 2pm) huge swaths of the city are closed to cars and open to bicycles, skateboards, joggers, and other outdoor activities.
Guadalajara's Vía RecreActiva offers around 35 permanent activities , including cultural, educational and recreational workshops, guided tours of the city's main points and children's areas.
Tips
Rent a bike through the Mi Bici program, with 360 stations that operate from 5:00 a.m. to 12:59 a.m.
If you want to be part of the free bike tours, the Vía RecreActiva de Guadalajara will lend you a bicycle . You just need to arrive on time and register at the corner of Av. Juárez and Andador Escorza. To register, you will need a valid official ID and the tour times for the main tourist spots in the city are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Explore the Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit the Glorieta Minerva and Chapultepec for skateboarders and street performers
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Top Family Events and curated guides.
15. You've Attended The Fiestas de Octubre (October Festivals) 🥳
Every year, from October 1-31, the Fiestas de Octubre is a vibrant annual celebration showcasing Guadalajara's rich cultural heritage. This Viva la Fiesta celebration offers diverse events and activities.
1. Concerts: Local, national and international music performances.
2. Traditional Dance: Folk dance shows and workshops.
3. Food Festivals: Savor local cuisine and drinks.
4. Art Exhibitions: Visual arts, crafts and installations.
5. Theater and Performance: Plays, comedy shows and street performances.
6. Parades and Processions: Colorful parades, cultural events and traditional festivities.
7. Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Displays: Spectacular fireworks shows.
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Top Events & Festivals and curated guides.
16. You Proudly Wear Tapatio-themed Clothing/Jewelry💎
The best way to shop Tapatio creators is to attend weekend bazaars such as the monthly Jacaranto Family Bazaar or quarterly La Mirilla Bazaar.
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of 30+ Top bazaars and shopping curated guides.
17. You Enjoy Siestas and Relaxed Sundays 😌
Sundays in Guadalajara are all about family time! Tapatíos typically spend their days off enjoying a scrumptious brunch and outdoor activities together. Note that many restaurants wrap up their service by 5 pm.
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Sundays Top Events and a perfect sunday curated guides.
18. You Enjoy Lake Chapala in the Weekend 🚣
Tapatíos often escape to Lake Chapala, a scenic haven merely an hour from Guadalajara, for relaxation and rejuvenation amidst lush surroundings.
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Chapala Events a the Ultimate Chapala Guide.
👉 If you need a pleasant certified bi-lingual private driver to take you to Chapala, TWIG recommends Anwar Tapia.
👉 If you need a pleasant certified bi-lingual guide to help you discover Lake Chapala, TWIG recommends Greg Custer.
👉 If you need an English speaking concierge to help you settle in Lake Chapala, TWIG recommends Betty.
19. You Know Your Tequila 🍋🟩
Only 60 minutes from Guadalajara lies the birthplace of Tequila, Mexico's signature spirit. Ignoring the art of savoring Tequila would be a cultural oversight. Tapatíos take pride in Tequila's origins and cultural impact and know the difference between Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo.
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Tequila Events and the Ultimate Tequila Guide.
👉 If you need a pleasant certified bi-lingual private driver and guide to take you to Tequila, TWIG recommends Anwar Tapia.
20. You Prioritize Beauty 🍋🟩
Tapatíos are renowned for their appreciation of beauty, reflected in their love for exquisite residences, upscale malls, luxury vehicles, vibrant art scenes, high-end fashion, and aesthetic enhancements.
✨ TWIG Members can access the yearly calendar of Top Fashion Events and currated guides for all things beautiful.
👉 If you need a great bi-lingual Real-Estate agent to find your perfect home, TWIG recommends Chris Cortes, Alexia Briere, and Tecnocasa.
👉 If you need a great bi-lingual Home Maintenance Service, plumbing, electricity, renovation, home inspection, painting and more, TWIG recommends JMS.
👉 If you need a great bi-lingual Doctor to help you stay young, TWIG recommends Dr. Cortes.
👉 If you need a great bi-lingual Dentist to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful, TWIG recommends Dr Pomar Cotter.
👉 If you need a great bi-lingual car maintenance service, TWIG recommends Midas.
21. You Support Celebrities Born in Guadalajara 🍋🟩
From visionary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, Formula 1 ace Sergio "Checo" Pérez, boxing legend Canelo Álvarez and rising singer Peso Pluma, discover all the celebrities and famous athletes born in Guadalajara (Scroll down to "Celebrities") and experience the pride!
22. You Embody Jalisco's Warm Hospitality 🫶
Jalisco, Mexico's western state, is renowned for its warm and welcoming culture, rooted in rich traditions and values. Visitors often comment on the locals' friendly nature, making them feel right at home.
Key Aspects of Jalisco's Hospitality:
1. Family ties: Close-knit families and respect for elders.
2. Respect and courtesy: Warm greetings and polite interactions.
3. Generosity: Willingness to share food, time and resources.
4. Warm welcomes: Visitors receive enthusiastic greetings.
5. Traditional cuisine: Shared meals and local specialties.
6. Vibrant celebrations: Colorful festivals and lively events.
Voila!
So, how many points did you check off? If you’ve ticked most of the boxes, congratulations—you’re well on your way to earning your Tapatío star! And if not, don’t worry—you now have a handy guide to what makes life in Guadalajara so special. Get out there and enjoy everything this beautiful city has to offer with TWIG's help!
✨The TWIG team wishes you the best life in our beautiful city of Guadalajara. We’re always here to help, if we can!
FAQ´S -
HOW SAFE IS GUADALAJARA? Guadalajara is both safe and unsafe, depending on your lifestyle and choices. Numbeo safety index gives Mexico City a crime rating of 68.2 which is high. Guadalajara's is close at 62.2. If the crime rate comes higher than other similar big cities (Paris, London, New-York, Rome), in Mexico, most violent crimes are restricted to instances between criminal organizations. Reading about cartel activities in Mexico can be scary, however, unless you are extremely naïve or unlucky to find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, as a tourist or expat, you have no reason to encounter criminal organizations, just like you don’t meet the mafia when traveling in Italy.
What makes Guadalajara a safer place than most other big cities in the world? People’s kindness and helpful nature. Very low aggressivity and no mass shootings. Most Mexicans are non-aggressive (except behind the wheel), polite and well mannered. GDL has a great expat community ready to help. Check TWIG’s connect page for all the wonderful groups we recommend you join to get help, good advice and make solid friends.
Is Mexico safer than the US? In this video Andrew compares Mexico to the USA and explains why Mexico is safer.
How to Make Your Move to Guadalajara Smooth and Stress-Free? Sign-up to TWIG's Relocation Program and learn in 4 days what it takes other years. From where to eat, where to stay, what to see, and connecting you to all the top professionals you need for your new life, you’ll feel home in an instant.
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