Tlaquepaque

History

Before the Spanish arrived, Tlaquepaque and several neighboring towns formed part of the kingdom of Tonalá, ruled by a woman named Cihualpilli Tzapotzinco. The settlement stood on a hill and had a few hundred inhabitants living in grass-roofed houses.

When Nuño de Guzmán reached the region in March 1530, the local people split. The queen and part of the nobility chose a peaceful reception, and a delegation that included leaders from Tlaquepaque went out to meet him with gifts of food. Others resisted and were defeated. On March 25, 1530, Guzmán formally claimed Tonalá and its subject towns. In 1548, at the suggestion of Fray Antonio de Segovia, the town was renamed San Pedro Tlaquepaque, and for the rest of the colonial era and the 19th century it was commonly called San Pedro. It answered to the authorities in Guadalajara and paid tribute in goods such as corn, chili, firewood, blankets and honey.

The local clay gave rise to the pottery for which the town became known. During the 20th century Guadalajara's growth absorbed Tlaquepaque, which today combines its craft tradition with industry.