Guadalajara’s Colonia Americana neighborhood — recently ranked the world’s coolest neighborhood by Time Out magazine — is now also a Barrio Mágico, or Magical Neighborhood — a tourism designation given to extraordinary neighborhoods in Mexican cities.
Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) created the program in 2022 to promote tourism in Mexico’s major population centers. The program is similar to Sectur’s Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) program, which highlights towns across Mexico that have historical and cultural value. Since large cities are not eligible for the Pueblos Mágico designation, the Magical Neighborhoods program seeks to highlight specific locations or areas that have tourist appeal in Mexican cities.
Jalisco Tourism Minister Vanessa Pérez Lamas said that those who have had the opportunity to explore Colonia Americana “can attest that it is a very cool neighborhood; it is a Magical Neighborhood, and it is very well-deserved.”
The designation of Colonia Americana as a Magical Neighborhood was granted by Mexican Tourism Minister Miguel Torruco Marquis. Torruco also renewed the designation of Magical Towns in Jalisco: Tapalpa, Tequila, Mazamitla, Tlaquepaque, Mascota, Talpa de Allende, San Sebastian del Oeste, Lakes de Moreno and Ajijic.
To date, Sectur has designated 177 cities in Mexico as Magic Cities and named them 34 Magical Environment across the country. Like other cities and neighborhoods in both programs, Colonia Americana will receive federal funds to renovate buildings and promote its tourism industry.
Located close to downtown Guadalajara, Colonia Americana is one of Guadalajara's oldest neighborhoods. Built in 1898, it was designed by German engineer and architect Ernesto Fuchs, who added a European flair to the neighborhood's streets and avenues. Some of the neighborhood's notable buildings include the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament, the Revolución Park, and the University of Guadalajara Museum of Art (MUSA). The neighborhood also has many restaurants and bars.
Time Out has described the environment as “a unique mix of art deco and neoclassical mansions with rundown houses and artists’ warehouses that serves as the city’s best music venue.”
However, the neighborhood's popularity has led to gentrification, real estate speculation, and insecurity, forcing many local residents to leave the neighborhood or close their businesses due to rising rents.
With reports from Informant