Following the release of the film “Pedro Páramo” on Netflix, both readers of the work and new viewers are looking to recreate the universe of the Mexican writer Juan Rulfo. There is no better way to do so than by visiting the landscapes of southern Jalisco, a region known as El Llano Grande, which inspired the narratives of this author.
Exploring the landscapes of Jalisco that marked the life of Juan Rulfo is a unique experience for any literature lover. Don’t forget to take a copy of “Pedro Páramo” with you while you travel through this region that reflects the Rulfian spirit.
Where was Juan Rulfo born?
Although there is no consensus on the exact place of his birth, Juan Rulfo (whose full name was Juan Nepomuceno Carlos Pérez Rulfo Vizcaíno) mentioned several times that he could have been born in Sayula, Apulco, San Gabriel or Tuxcacuexco, all in Jalisco. However, according to official documents, the author was born on May 16, 1917 in Sayula, at 5:00 a.m., in house number 32 on Francisco I. Madero Street.
In Sayula, in addition to learning more about his childhood, you can visit the Juan Rulfo House of Culture, which houses small museums and cultural activities. It is also recommended to try artisanal cajeta, visit its church with a museum of sacred art, and enjoy local products such as ponche, rompope and artisanal knives.
The bridges of San Gabriel
San Gabriel is considered by many to be the most Rulfian place, where Rulfo spent his early years and devoured books in his grandfather’s library. Here you can visit emblematic sites such as the Puente Nuevo, the Puente Montenegro, the murals of the presidency and the parish with the image of the Christ of Mercy.
A must-see spot is the “Vine a Comala” viewpoint, where an impressive view of the plain that inspired much of his work awaits you. In addition, the streets and mountains surrounding this town exude the magical air that characterizes his stories.
10 kilometers from San Gabriel is Apulco, another key place in the history of Juan Rulfo. Here is the Hacienda de la Media Luna, owned by his maternal grandfather, which served as inspiration for some passages of Pedro Páramo. You can also tour the monastery and the basilica of the place, immersing yourself in the atmosphere that marked the writer.
Is Tuxcacuexco the real Comala?
Pedro Páramo’s iconic phrase: “I came to Comala because they told me that my father, a certain Pedro Páramo, lived here,” was originally published as: “I came to Tuxcacuexco because they told me that my father, a certain Pedro Páramo, lived here.”
For this reason, many scholars believe that Tuxcacuexco could have inspired Comala. In this town, you can visit its river, the church and the convent, as well as enjoy typical tamarind and peanut sweets.
Where was Pedro Páramo filmed?
Although Juan Rulfo’s works are based on the landscapes of Jalisco, the film “Pedro Páramo” was not filmed in this state, but in locations in San Luis Potosí. This demonstrates the visual and cultural richness of Mexico, which allows for the recreation of literary universes in various settings throughout the country.
Source: unotv
