Discovery Series – Guadalajara
The Starbucks Discovery Series Guadalajara pays tribute to the cultural capital of western Mexico. Founded in 1542, Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is widely regarded as the birthplace of several traditions that have become symbols of Mexican identity, including mariachi music and tequila. The city’s historic architecture, vibrant festivals, and celebrated cuisine have earned it a place among Mexico’s most fascinating destinations. The mug combines many of these defining elements into a colorful design.
– Jarabe Tapatío, better known as the Mexican Hat Dance, takes center stage on the left side of the mug. Performed in colorful traditional dresses and charro outfits, the dance originated in Jalisco during the nineteenth century and is considered Mexico’s national dance. The swirling dress beautifully captures the elegance and festive spirit of Guadalajara’s folklore.
– Talavera pottery appears beside the dancer. Although Talavera pottery originated in Puebla, beautifully painted ceramics have long been part of Mexican decorative arts and are commonly found throughout Guadalajara’s markets and artisan shops. Their intricate floral patterns make them one of the country’s most recognizable handicrafts.
– The Guadalajara Cathedral stretches across the center of the design. Construction of the cathedral began in the sixteenth century, while its distinctive Gothic-style towers were added after an earthquake damaged the originals in the nineteenth century. Standing in the heart of the historic center, it remains one of the city’s best-known landmarks.
– Tequila is represented by the glass and lime slices beneath the cathedral. The town of Tequila lies less than 40 miles northwest of Guadalajara, making the city the natural gateway to Mexico’s famous tequila-producing region. Visitors often take day trips to agave plantations and historic distilleries to learn about the production of Mexico’s national spirit.
– Traditional Mexican cuisine is represented by the oversized torta ahogada and tacos. The torta ahogada, literally “drowned sandwich,” is Guadalajara’s signature dish, consisting of crusty bread filled with pork and covered in spicy tomato sauce. Together with tacos and countless regional specialties, it reflects the city’s well-earned reputation as one of Mexico’s top culinary destinations.
– Mariachi music occupies the right side of the mug. Guadalajara is considered the birthplace of mariachi, a musical tradition that originated in the surrounding region of Jalisco. Dressed in elegant charro suits, mariachi musicians have become one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of Mexican culture, and the city continues to host the International Mariachi Festival each year.
– The Arcos de Guadalajara, also known as the Arcos Vallarta, appear beneath the city name. Built in the 1940s as a monumental gateway to the city, the arches have become one of Guadalajara’s most recognizable landmarks. Today they welcome visitors arriving from the west and serve as a reminder of the city’s continued growth and prosperity.
– Agave plants complete the composition around the mug. Their sharp blue-green leaves are instantly associated with the landscapes of Jalisco, where millions of agave plants cover the rolling hills surrounding Guadalajara. Beyond supplying the raw material for tequila, they have become one of the defining visual symbols of the region.
