 Jalpa,
Zacatecas, MexicoPopulation: There are between 25 and 35 thousand people located within the town and the ranches surrounding it (it's municipality.) Population continues to grow as Jalpa is becoming a major hub, in transportation, between the cities of Guadalajara, Aguascalientes, and Zacatecas. There's a large percentage of 55+ year-olds (senior citizens) and females- the female to male ratio is about 39% to 61%. Economy: This growing pueblo is virtually sustained (economically) on US dollars. Almost every family has at least one member, usually male, residing in the US (California, Texas, Illinois, North and South Carolina.) Most family members receive US dollars from those living in the United States ("el Norte.") There are no known factories in this town that export goods. Farming is also being practiced less and less due to water table shortage in this region's aquifer. Most plantations have been replaced from guayaba and sugar cane, in the 70's, 80's, and early 90's, to agave at present. Current crops are: maize (corn), bean, sugar cane, alfalfa, calabaza (pumpkin), and the cactus tuna. People: In Jalpa people tend to be more Caucasian and Mestizo looking rather than Indigenous. The indigenous population of Jalpa isn't very big, as Zacatecas along with Aguascalientes have the lowest percentages of indigenous people. Life in Jalpa: Jalpa is a very clean and quiet town (pueblo.)
Most retailers still close daily during the "siesta" hour, which is from
2:00pm to 4:00 pm. The main plaza (Arechiga) is frequently visited by the
older generation , throughout the day. The "town" gives it's residents
limited amounts of potable water for usage. Residents get water about two
times a week- so most residents rely on the "tinaco" for water storage,
which can be seen on every roof.
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