Founded in the early 15th Century (1530s) by Spanish explorers in search of Gold and Silver, Jalpa was spelled "Xalpa" by its native Indian Caxcan, Chichimeca and huichole people. Conquered by the Spanish the Indian population inter-mixed with Spanish and other European peoples to form today's meztisos. Mestizo is a term traditionally used in Latin America and Spain for people of mixed European and Native American heritage or descent. The term originated as a racial category in the Casta system that was in use during the Spanish empire's control of their American colonies, it was used to describe those who had one European-born parent and one who was member of an indigenous American population. In the Casta system mestizos had fewer rights than European born persons called "Peninsular", and "Criollos" who were persons born in the new world of two European born parents.
During the colonial period, mestizos quickly became the majority group in much of what is today Latin America and the southwestern United States (which used to belong to Mexico); and when the colonies started achieving independence from Spain, the mestizo group often became dominant. In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico, the concept of the "mestizo" became central to the formation of a new independent identity that was neither wholly Spanish nor wholly indigenous and the word mestizo acquired its current double meaning of mixed cultural heritage and actual racial descent.
The town located in the Mexican state of Zacatecas, close to the border with Jalisco and Aguascalientes and about a three hour drive south of the capital city, Zacatecas. Jalpa is a colonial-style city, with cobble stone streets (most are gone now), narrow walkways, two Main churches El Señor de Jalpa and La Parroquia de san Antonio, and 2 plazas. Jalpa was modeled by the French in the 18th century. In the middle of the plaza is a Kiosko which remains in good shape today, after hundreds of years. Its original indigenous natives were the Cascanes, chichemecas and Huicholes. Most houses are painted in bright colors just as in colonial times. The Houses are made of Adobe and share common walls with each others neighbor and most, if not all, have flat roofs.
Population: Population now is between 10-12000. Most living within the town and surrounding communities. The population continues to grow since Jalpa is a significant transportation hub between the cities of Guadalajara, Aguascalientes, and Zacatecas. A large percentage of the population is older than 50 years; and there are significantly more females than males in the younger age bracket; the overall female to male ratio is about 60% to 40%.This disproportion is do to the fact that more males migrate to the United States, were as females usually stay. Generally speaking, the population of Jalpa is more white than other parts of Mexico. Although there are indigenous residents and mestizos, they do not dominate the population as in many other Mexican towns. Many of the residents know each other and are generally identified by who their parents are.
Economy: Much of the growth in Jalpa is fed by remittances in US dollars from former residents who have emigrated to the United States. Almost every family has at least one member, usually male, residing in the US (California, Texas, Illinois, Virginia, North and South Carolina being the most popular destination.) Most family members receive money from those living in the United States ("El Norte.") There are no known factories in this town that export goods. Farming activity has also been decreasing due to water table shortage in the region's aquifer. Most of Zacatecas lies within two high sierras, hence its dry climate and poor rain seasons. Many traditional plantations/farms that grow guayaba and sugar cane in the 70's, 80's, and early 90's, have been now replaced with agave fields- since these plants require minimal/to no water for its growth. Other current farmed crops are: maize (corn), bean, sugar cane, alfalfa, calabaza (pumpkin), and Wild Cactus(nopales) which gives a fruit call, Tuna (prickly pear in the US).
Life in Jalpa: Most retailers still close daily during the "siesta" hour, which is from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The main plaza (Arechiga) is frequently visited by the older generation throughout the day. The "town" gives its residents limited amounts of potable water for usage. (A chronic problem from millennia.) Residents receive water about three times a week for a few hours- usually at midnight; so most residents rely on a "tinaco" (tank set on roof) or "alhiber" (holding tank in ground) for water storage. As in many towns in Mexico, most of the residents ride bicycles or walk to their destination point. They can also take taxis which are available 24-7. A popular spot in Jalpa, is "El Santuario." El Santuario is a small church, atop a mountainous hill about 5 km away from Jalpa and visible from almost everywhere in town. El Santuario was built by the native Indians under Spanish orders in the late 19th century. Though this church is not used for everyday mass, it is frequently visited by tourists and the locals, especially during the month of December.
Festivities in December: In December, the fair visits Jalpa and everyone is united. "La Feria Que Nos Une" The Fair that unites us" That is Jalpa's Motto. In December everyone celebrates; there are parties and many more things. For Example, every year there is a group or a singer that performs at a dance. There is also a beauty contest between girls who are competing to be "La Reyna de la Feria" (carnival Queen). People vote for their favorite and at the end the winner is crowned. Each year a new winner is chosen. Throughout December there are posadas. People go from house to house asking for shelter just as Joseph and Mary did. In Jalpa as in many towns in Mexico, is a tradition. A favorite location for tourists is also La Mezquitera, which is always busy during Christmas.
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