El Parián is a large covered kiosk at the centre of Tlaquepaque's main pedestrian zone — a ring of tequila and mezcal bars surrounding a central performance space where mariachi bands circulate, competing good-naturedly for your attention and your tips. It is unabashedly tourist-oriented and cheerfully so: the atmosphere is genuine, the tequila flows freely, and the mariachis are professionals.
Come in the late afternoon when it is less crowded than the evening rush. Sit at the edge facing the performance space, order a litre of good tequila blanco, and watch the bands cycle through. This is one of those experiences that earns its cliché.