by LCR 
Santa Cruz de la Soledad, in Jalisco, Mexico, is a place full of history, tradition and natural beauty. Its festivals, gastronomy, architecture and welcoming community are aspects that make this town a unique destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich Mexican culture and experience the authenticity of life in a traditional community.
The name Santa Cruz was given by the Franciscans who were in contact with the natives living on the shore of the lake. It was a Catholic custom to assign the name of a saint or Christian symbol to the small villages around the municipality to gain control over the parishioners.
By the year 1548, when the church and convent of Chapala were built, the spiritually conquered town of Santa Cruz was fully identified with this name since it would become a district of said convent along with two other towns: Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, and San Juan Tecomatlán.
In this area there was an abundance of guamúchil and mesquite trees, as well as huizache, while its fauna included armadillos, coral snakes, deer and opossums. The trade of the latter was prohibited by law, since the opossum is the only Mexican marsupial.
The local gastronomy is a feast for the senses. The authentic flavors of Jalisco are found in every bite. Traditional dishes such as birria, pozole and tortas ahogadas are true delicacies that bring to life the culinary culture of the region. Local restaurants in Santa Cruz de la Soledad serve these delicacies with love and authenticity, providing visitors with a truly tasty experience.
One of the most notable characteristics of Santa Cruz de la Soledad is its rich cultural tradition. The city is known for its colorful festivals and religious celebrations. Semana Santa (Holy Week) stands out, when the streets are filled with colorful processions and ceremonies are held in honor of the Virgen de la Soledad.
One of the things that make Santa Cruz de la Soledad special is the warm hospitality of its people. The locals are known for their friendliness and their willingness to share their traditions and customs with visitors. This creates an authentic and enriching experience for those exploring the city.
Local Information
The celebration of the Day of the Holy Cross, May 3, returned to Chapala, in the delegations of Santa Cruz de la Soledad and San Antonio Tlayacapan, as well as in the parish of San Francisco de Asís, in the municipal capital.
In addition to the crosses traditionally placed by masons on construction sites as a symbol of protection to avoid accidents, some families in the municipality installed altars to the Holy Cross or the Virgin of Solitude outside their homes.
