Jala

The name Jala comes from the Nahuatl words Xali, meaning "sand," and Tla, which translates as "place where it abounds," resulting in "place where sand abounds." It was the first settlement with a Nahuatl-speaking population and was later evangelized by friars from Ahuacatlán. With the enactment of the Constitution of the State of Nayarit on February 5, 1918, Jala officially changed from a town to a villa and municipality within this federal entity.

On September 29, 2012, Jala was incorporated into the Pueblos Mágicos program, a recognition highlighting its cultural, historical, and natural richness. Among its many historic monuments are the parish church, built in the second half of the 19th century, and the ruins of the old hospital, whose baroque façade remains a testament to its colonial past.

Jala is also famous for its traditional festivities, notably the Corn Fair held on August 15, a celebration full of recreational activities, folkloric dances, and artisan exhibitions. Equally significant is Holy Week, featuring one of the most striking Passion of Christ reenactments in the region.

Among the main tourist attractions in the municipality are the Lateran Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, the Old Chapel of San Francisco, the Jala Community Museum, and the majestic Ceboruco Volcano, an impressive natural site offering spectacular landscapes as well as great geological value, attracting visitors from both Mexico and abroad.

Jala is undoubtedly a destination that combines history, culture, faith, and nature, making it a gem of the state of Nayarit and a must-visit place for those seeking an authentic and enriching experience.

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