Jala is recognized not only for being the place that produces the most incredible variety of corn in the world, but also for its old colonial buildings that tourists can see when walking through its cobbled streets, such as the Ex-Convent of Limpia y Immaculate Conception of Mary. , a church originally built in 1582 by the Franciscan Order to evangelize the native population. On its façade, built in pink quarry, visitors can appreciate the image of the Virgin with indigenous features and pre-Hispanic clothing, for example, an Indian plume instead of the traditional crown of colonial sculptures.
This place pays homage to the miracles performed by Los Santos Medicos de Jala. It has testimonies given in different parts of Mexico, some even written in charcoal on paper. In addition, the place is a mausoleum that preserves the remains of Franciscan friars and people who died of diseases when the place was used as a hospital. There are also underground tunnels that lead to the old houses that were occupied by influential families in colonial times. In addition, just outside the temple is the first museum of sacred art in the State of Nayarit.
Another of Jala's iconic monuments is the Lateran Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, a Baroque-style temple built in the 19th century in green, pink and yellow stone. Inside is the image of the Virgin, who arrived in the Town 312 years ago and celebrated her feast every August 15, which coincides with the Town's Corn Festival. In addition, very close to this temple, visitors can enjoy traditional food restaurants, craft shops, as well as the unmissable Municipal Market.
Walking through the cobbled streets of the Magic Town of Jala, the tourist enjoys a fabulous colonial architecture in which old houses painted in bright colors stand out, some of them converted into sophisticated boutique hotels that preserve the flavor of the Spanish Empire, and in which guests enjoy luxury amenities and first-class cuisine, such as Nukari Quinta Boutique, a property built in 1778 and adapted to receive tourists focused on living wellness experiences, excellent cuisine, and personalized service.
Where to eat: Small trees and orange, green, beige and yellow quarry mansions (houses), with brown wooden doors and wrought iron covered windows, lined the street. Jala's restaurants displayed signs for carnitas (shredded roast beef tacos) and chilaquiles (fried tortillas topped with scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa).
Jala Corn Festival: On a table next to the bags of peanuts, we saw a large ear of corn, as long as our forearms. A competition for the world's largest ears of corn is held annually during La Feria del Elote in Jala. The record size of the largest maize (maize) grown in Jala is 50 centimeters (20 in) long. The Jala Corn Fair is held every year in the first two weeks of August.
