As Mexico's second-largest city and the capital of the state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is also one its most progressive, a center of business and industry. Tapatíos, as the people of Guadalajara call themselves, proudly refer to it as Mexico's biggest small town. Because of a long period of isolation from Mexico City, the city has been able to preserve a characteristic independence, self-reliance, and European atmosphere. Besides creating the popular folk dance Jarabe Tapatío (Mexican hat dance) and the tradition of charreada (Mexican rodeo), it's the home of the mariachi. Benefiting from the best of Mexican culture, it's a city of beautiful parks, broad avenues, and light-colored buildings. Even the urban renewal of recent years has done little to spoil its friendly and genteel atmosphere.