Jalpa de Cánovas, recognized as a “Pueblo Mágico” or “Magical Village” in Mexico, belongs to the municipality of Purísima del Rincón, Guanajuato. It is a place surrounded by water, quinces, and walnut trees, which was once the estate of Manuel Cánovas, hence its name. The manor house and the parish church are some of the key attractions which remain well preserved . With a rich architectural heritage, an enviable natural landscape, and fertile lands that have allowed for the proliferation of agricultural and livestock estates, it is the perfect place to savour traditional Guanajuato cuisine. The geographical location of Jalpa de Cánovas and the participatory nature of its people influenced its active role during the Mexican Revolution.
The administration of Jalpa de Cánovas has prioritized rural development and combating depopulation. In the last two decades, the rate of migration has been increasing, reaching up to 20%. Through public and private investment in Jalpa, since 2012, access to community and basic services has improved, and, as a result this has had a positive impact on the local identity of the village. Additionally, the strengthening of the tourism value chain has transcended with the offering of jobs in the region, leading people to relocate to Jalpa for work.
Within the cultural heritage of Jalpa de Cánovas, its gastronomy stands out. Among its emblematic dishes are “caldo de zorra” or xoconostle soup, walnut mole, and enchiladas with dried beef, as well as various sweets and beverages comprising walnut and quince. Furthermore, Jalpa de Cánovas has the designation of origin for tequila.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Vive Jalpa
“Vive Jalpa” is a creative and innovative initiative born from collaborative efforts among various service providers in the village. It was designed to integrate various local production chains into a single tourist product, inviting visitors to spend two days and one night in the village. Since 2022, nine tourism service providers have been managing this initiative. It offers activities such as cycling around the village, picnicking in naturous areas, savoring delicious cuisine at La Pérgola and Las Golondrinas restaurants, participating in a traditional sweets workshop, and visiting the Hacienda de Jalpa de Cánovas, the Luis Cabrera Museum and the Temple of the Lord of Mercy.
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Quince and walnut: culinary tradition fused with tourism
The production of quince and walnut-derived foods, which are integral and traditional parts of Jalpa, have been successfully established as staples at various events held in the village, forming an integral part of their tourism offerings. The community manages the production, processing, and marketing of these products, resulting in a range of positive outcomes for the villagers.
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Community-managed and data-driven tourism
Jalpa de Cánovas boasts a “Citizens’ Committee,” an entity endowed with the authority to approve projects that promote the village’s tourism development. Furthermore, the village’s tourism development is planned in accordance with the guidelines laid out in its 2022-2024 Tourism Strategy, which encompasses the Purísima de Bustos-Jalpa de Cánovas corridor. Since 2016, the administration has been conducting visitor profiles for Jalpa, providing data which serves as extremely valuable for the purposes of more informed decision-making and better planning.
