Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – This Monday, June 9, 2025, Jalisco proudly marks 202 years since it was proclaimed a Free and Sovereign State – an important chapter in Mexico’s federal history. Although the official proclamation took place on June 16, 1823, the holiday is observed on the second Monday of June, as established by state law, to make its commemoration more accessible.
Public schools and government offices will be closed. The private sector is not required to observe the day, though some businesses may choose to give their employees the day off.
Jalisco was officially founded on December 16, 1823, when the Constituent Congress of the State of Jalisco declared its independence from the province of Nueva Galicia. However, the region’s roots stretch back much further.
Long before the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, the area was home to thriving indigenous cultures such as the Huichol, Nahua, Caxcan, and Purépecha. The Spanish conquest transformed the region into Nueva Galicia, which once included what are now Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima, and parts of other neighboring states.
Jalisco quickly became one of the first states to embrace Mexican federalism, and since then it has played a key role in the nation’s cultural, political, and economic development. The state has given rise to legendary figures like muralist José Clemente Orozco, poet Juan Rulfo, composer José Alfredo Jiménez, and painter and sculptor Alejandro Colunga.
Today, Jalisco’s 125 municipalities reflect its deep and diverse heritage. From its famous cuisine and world-renowned tequila to mariachi music and the traditional charro culture, Jalisco continues to shape the Mexican identity. Its capital, Guadalajara, often called the “Pearl of the West”, stands out for its stunning architecture, historic plazas, and strong artistic presence.
Institutions like INEGI and the Jalisco Institute of Statistical and Geographic Information (IIEG) help track the state’s growth and needs, supporting smarter public policies for its people. Jalisco’s population structure and municipal organization remain vital areas of research and planning.
As Jalisco celebrates over two centuries of sovereignty, it also honors the many generations who have shaped its past and continue to build its future.
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