This Sunday I visited Tonalá which is a massive outdoor market is open Thursdays and Sundays and showcases the many arts and crafts from the area. It’s about 20 minutes from the centre of Guadalajara by bus and is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
The pottery, glass, jewellery, clothing and furniture is absolutely gorgeous! The day I arrived it was rather chilly and raining but even that didn’t stop huge crowds from browsing the many items and food available.
The prices are great as well, the only thing stopping me from buying many pieces is that I have to carry everything I own in a backpack.
I was too busy looking around to remember to take photos, but here are a few I snapped when I finally remembered. I promise to start taking and posting more pictures from my travels.
Photos From Tonalá
Nativos
A bar in Tonalá.
Buildings of Tonalá
Some of the buildings here are covered with colourful murals, here’s some of my favourites.
Murals in Tonalá
I just loved the bright sun painted on this one and the black and white cats by the door, very friendly looking!
Beautiful architecture!
The sun theme is seen in many places around Mexico.
More artwork in Tonalá
This one is really interesting, if you look closely you’ll see many references to native lore.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
cool pictures, enjoy your wanderings
*squeals with Glee!* Hi Dad! I’ve been having a great time so far, so much to see. I’ll post more pictures soon.
Wow, stunning architecture and artwork. I luvvv markets. :)
.-= Nomadic Chick´s last blog ..Gypsy Wednesday – She’s Come Undone =-.
I’m not sure which one I like best.
Either the two cats or the two suns.
Nonetheless, Guadalajara looks amazing!
@Nomadic Chick: The artwork here is absolutely astounding, there’s another market not too far I’m hoping to visit before I leave Guadalajara next week. *Fingers crossed hoping the rains slow a bit*
@BrotherMycroft: Both are so beautiful, I looked at them for ages. The pictures really don’t do justice to the vibrancy of the colors. I might go back to Tonalá this week to take some more.
Hi! Are you still in Tonala? I was curious how “safe” it was down there for an American tourist? We are thinking of going on a mission trip with a group from a non-profit org. and it’s designed for families with kids. So wanted to know what the safety climate was like there for Americans in that part of Mexico.
Thanks!
Ernie Medina
emedinajr@mac.com
I’m not near Tonalá now, but am still happily wandering Mexico. As far as I’ve seen the problems are just near the U.S. border. I haven’t seen or heard anything in the central areas against Americans (or anyone that gets assumed to be American in Mexico which happens a lot to Canadians and other tourists here). Mostly the problems are not aimed at tourists, but I’d stay out of problematic areas anyway. So far almost everyone I’ve met has been very warm, helpful and kind.
I would advise checking a government alert site to get more detailed info. I use the Canadian Travellers Alert site and here’s the U.S. Government Travel Information. (It’s kind of interesting to compare the 2 sites to get 2 opinions and sometimes 1 may update faster / have more info than the other.)
Best wishes and safe travels!
Thx for the info! Will check both out. Safe travels! Ernie