Discover with us the cultural legacy and hospitality of our state
The name of Jala comes from the nahuatl term “xali” that means “arena” (sand) and the variant “tla” that means “lugar donde abunda” (place where it abounds). So Jala means place where the sand abounds.
The first prehispanic vestiges in Jala are related to two important cultural traditions: Las tumbas de Tiro (Tiro’s thumbs) and Aztatlan. Tiro’s thumbs were the first habitants of the region and were known for being the bearers of magic and mysterious funeral cults. While the Aztatlan period is known for its contribution to architecture, with beautiful constructions such as the temples at Toriles, located in Ixtlan del Rio.
Jala passed from village to town in February 5th of 1918 with the promulgation of the “Constitucion Politica del Estado de Nayarit” (Political Constitution of Nayarit State). By that time it became a municipality of the State of Nayarit.
The most important natural landmark is the Ceboruco Volcano and its most important architectural work is the beautiful Basilica Cateranense de Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion, built in the XVII century.
In addition, you can find the very representative tree corncobs, which are known for being the biggest ones in the world. The peanut bushes also represent an important product in the zone, and the fact that they are grown on the hillside of the Ceboruco Volcano makes them more special.
