Jala, Nayarit, Mexico - Every year during the first two weeks of August, an annual Corn Festival in Jala and Xalisco, Nayarit, a region where the largest corncobs in the world are grown, gives everyone a chance to experience a very Mexican tradition.

This year, the traditional Corn Festival is taking place from August 6th–15th. Organized to honor the first harvest, corn is the star of this festival, but the local cuisine, culture and traditions play honorary roles.

Historically pagans began celebrating earlier, but since the event is also a religious occasion that celebrates the Virgin of the Assumption on August 15, nowadays the event lasts two weeks and features regional expos, sports competitions, jaripeos (bull riding), dancing and performances in public places, fireworks, and many other family-friendly activities.

Corn is the most important crop in Jala; the area also produces the largest ears of corn in the world, with some reaching nearly 20 inches long. Of course, during the festival, the largest ear of corn wins a prize.

The food booths, offering different varieties of corn as well as processed products based on this grain, are set on the streets and offer a real experience to the palate.

Visiting Jala also allows us to enjoy the colonial architecture of the rural areas of Mexico in their purest form, as the National Institute of Anthropology and History has protected its streets and buildings, and visiting them becomes an unforgettable experience, as this town has retained its essence in every corner.

Don't miss a visit to:

• Basílica Lateranense de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción - This architectural jewel was built in 1856 out of pink, green and yellow stone, mixing Roman and Gothic styles.

• Museo Comunitario de Jala - Located in the center of town, this beautiful museum is located in a restored home dating back to the XIX century. It showcases an important collection of pre-Hispanic and traditional regional pieces.

• Ceboruco Volcano - This volcano reaches a height of nearly 7,500 feet. It last erupted in 1870; today it’s a Geological Park beloved by mountain climbers for its extraordinary views.

How to Get There

Jala is located in the southern part of the State of Nayarit. It's bordered on the north by the municipalities of Santa Maria del Oro and La Yesca and on the south by the municipalities of Ahuacatlán and Ixtlan del Rio. To get there, take the highway from Tepic to Guadalajara and turn at the junction located about ten minutes after Ixtlán del Rio.