Jalisco for First Genxicans: Where Tequila and Telenovela Drama Were Born 🇲🇽

Centro Historico, Guadalajara Photo by Roman Lopez on Unsplash

It’s my mom’s birthday week, so obviously we have to talk about where she’s from — Jalisco. Because if there’s one thing about Jalisco moms, it’s that they will make sure you never forget their roots (or their recipes). So this one’s for you, mami — gracias por el sabor, the sass, the wisdom and the awesome ability to tell whats missing in the caldo.

If you’re a First Genxican (you know… raised on Hot Cheetos and frijoles), chances are you’ve heard your parents talk about Jalisco like it’s the center of the universe. And honestly? They’re kinda right.

Let’s take a quick, chismecito-filled trip to Jalisco — the land of mariachi, majestic outfits, intense side-eyes, and food that slaps harder than your abuelita’s flip-flop.

Where Culture Really Starts:

Jalisco is the Beyoncé of Mexican states. Why? Because everything iconic came from here.

• Mariachi? Born here.

• Tequila? Jalisco said “hold my agave.”

• Charrería (Mexican rodeo)? Also from here.It’s giving main character energy, and we love that for her.

Even the Mexican Hat Dance? Yup — straight outta Jalisco. Honestly, if Jalisco had a dating profile, it would say “I’m the reason your party playlist has trumpets.”

Mariachi: Jalisco’s Heartbeat Sound Photo by Samuel Ramos 

Guadalajara = Mexico’s Cool Older Cousin

If you’re trying to feel fancy, say it right: Gwa-da-la-ha-ra.Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco and the place your mom gets emotional about when she hears a Vicente Fernández song.

It’s full of colonial architecture, modern art, and enough mercados to lose track of yourself.

Also, let’s not forget:

• It’s a college town

• It has a booming tech scene

• And it’s lowkey the fashion girlie of Mexico 🇲🇽🕶️

Birria in all her glory. Photo by Nahima Aparicio

Food That’s Worth the Chisme

Jalisco's cuisine is what happens when comfort food meets bold spice and a touch of drama. Sound familiar?

• Tortas Ahogadas – A birote (local crusty bread) stuffed with carnitas and drowned in spicy red salsa. Not dipped. Not drizzled. Drowned. Just like you after a breakup when you listen to sad mariachi.

• Birria – Forget TikTok, Jalisco invented this juicy, slow-cooked meat stew. Whether you dip it, sip it, or spoon it, it’s love in edible form.

• Tejuino – Fermented corn drink with lime and salt. Lowkey tastes like tangy nostalgia with a twist of “why does this slap?”

And of course... tequila. Not the “Spring Break” kind. The sip-it-slow, respect-your-ancestors kind.

Also… let’s talk Café de Olla. Because no Jalisco-style breakfast is complete without a clay pot brew sweetened with piloncillo and spiced with cinnamon. That smell? That feeling? It’s basically a hug from your abuelita in liquid form.✨ If you’ve never had it, don’t worry — I bottled the nostalgia for you. Grab a bag from De Olla and bring the rancho vibes straight to your kitchen. No passport or abuelita supervision required.

First Genxican Feels:

If your mom’s from Jalisco, there’s a 99.9% chance she:

• Tells stories about the pueblo every chance she gets

• Critiques your salsa even though she didn’t teach you how to make it

• Knows at least one person who knew someone who dated a mariachi singer (and somehow this is still family drama)

Jalisco pride runs deep. Your family might not have framed pictures of the state flag, but trust — it lives in every corrido, every Sunday birria taco, and every chancla lecture you ever got.

Famous Sayings You’ve Probably Heard:

• “No te rajes” — Don’t back down. (Usually said before something dramatic happens.)

• “¡A la brava!” — We’re doing it wild, fast, and with questionable preparation.

• “Eso, Jalisco no te rajes!” — Translation: "We’re stubborn and proud, and you should be too."

So, Why Does Jalisco Matter for Us First Gens?

Because it’s a huge part of our roots — even if we grew up with Spanglish, Lunchables, and piñatas shaped like Power Rangers. Jalisco reminds us that tradition, pride, and flavor can coexist with Wi-Fi, playlists, and iced lattes. (Or iced Café de Olla, if you’re fancy 😉).

Whether your fam is from Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque, or a tiny rancho you've never seen on a map — just know Jalisco isn’t just a place. It’s a vibe.

So pour yourself a cup of De Olla, agarra tu panecito, and tell Google to play “Volver, Volver.” You’re basically halfway to Jalisco already.