The legendary story of Hacienda La Magdalena

Hacienda La Magdalena in Zapopan dates back the late 17th century, and because its proximity to the Silver Route from Guadalajara to Zacatecas, it was a required stop for the diligence toward the Hacienda la Copala, the first along the way. Toward the 20th Century, the new highway to Zacatecas, passing by San Cristobal de la barranca and Colotlán, crossing haciendas and ranches, gives way to various urbanizations, with the structure of the hacienda remaining at the edge of the highway.

The former Calpanerías (homes of workers) have been growing and communities have emerged, such as La Magdalena and San Cristóbal, and neighborhoods such as Haciendas de Zapopan and Residencial Tesistán. Since the last decade of the 20th Century, La Magdalena has become a source of work for the region's inhabitants, no longer on plantations or dedicated to livestock, but in the handicrafts sector and the fabrication of Hacienda-type replica furniture. The factory was an enclave in La Magdalena facility but conserved the original fountains, urns and ceramic pots, which are distinguished by their majolica (glazed) finishings.

In the sites called Los Verdes and Los Sauces of the former Hacienda, one could find the washing areas and orchards, which are now home to the estates and gardens for celebrating social events and family reunions, preceded by the rebuilt arch that was the facade of the 17th Century chapel. These new facilities and gardens with fountains, ponds, willows and fruit trees are where birds and colorful fish live in harmony with nature.

Since 1990 — almost 300 years since it was founded — event celebrations of different types have been held here, including baptisms, first communions, weddings, graduations, photography sessions, advertising filming, fashion catwalks, and concerts. Its kitchen is professionally designed to prepare gourmet banquets and offer delicious dishes of high Mexican and international cuisine. Hacienda La Magdalena is a place that has been reborn and is proudly present in the history of the Zapopan municipality in Jalisco.