Guadalupe is a town in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States and part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The town motto, "where three cultures flourish", recognizes the town's roots in the Yaquis, Mexicans and descendants of the original farmers. Since its founding, Guadalupe has been known as a center of Yaqui culture, and it is home to many religious festivals. Nestled between Phoenix and Tempe, the 2020 census listed the population of the town as 5,322. Guadalupe was founded around 1900 by Yaqui Indians, who fled their homeland in Sonora to avoid oppression by the Mexican government of Porfirio Díaz. The cemetery of Guadalupe was established in 1904, in the original townsite. The cemetery is now officially located in Tempe, due to that city's annexation of the land surrounding the cemetery; however, it is still administered by the Guadalupe Clerk's Office. Guadalupe is primarily a residential area; most residents commute to other parts of the Phoenix area to work.

Geography

Guadalupe is located at 33.36667°N, -111.9625°W (33.366733, -111.962414). It is bordered to the west by Phoenix and to the north, east, and south by Tempe. Downtown Phoenix is 11 mi to the northwest. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 0.8 sqmi, all land.

Governmental representation

Guadalupe is in Arizona's 7th Congressional District, served by Representative Ruben Gallego. It is also in Arizona's 27th State Legislative District, served by Representatives Reginald Bolding Jr. and Diego Rodriguez, and by Senator Rebecca Ríos. All four of the aforementioned officials are Democrats.

Healthcare

The public hospital system, Valleywise Health (formerly Maricopa Integrated Health System), operates Valleywise Community Health Center – Guadalupe. Its sole hospital, Valleywise Health Medical Center, is in Phoenix.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 5,228 people, 1,110 households, and 961 families residing in the town. The population density was 6,813.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,184 housing units at an average density of 1,543.2 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 72.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race, 44.2% Native American, 31.2% from other races, 17.5% White, 1.1% Black or African American 0.1% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 5.7% from two or more races. There were 1,110 households, out of which 44.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 27.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.4% were non-families. 9.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.70 and the average family size was 4.88. In the town, the population was spread out, with 37.2% under the age of 18, 12.5% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 16.1% from 45 to 64, and 6.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.9 males. The median home prices as of 2022 is $279,142. In 2022, the average household income was $59,751, and the median income for a family was $42,833. The per capita income for the town was $8,149. About 24.3% of families and 26.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.8% of those under age 18 and 42.4% of those age 65 or over.

Art and Culture

The town of Guadalupe, Arizona has many festivals, including: Easter Ceremonies and Traditional Dances: The Yaqui people, also known as Yoeme, migrated to Guadalupe from Mexico and celebrated Lent and Easter ceremonies. These ceremonies include deer dances, pascola dances, and other traditions originating in Mexico in the early 1600s. Every Easter season, Yaqui (Pascua in Spanish) ceremonial rites are held in the plaza. The rites blend traditional Native American beliefs with Catholic Christian teachings. These rituals are a historic and sacred obligation of the participants and date back roughly 300 years. Although not performed for tourists, respectful visitors are welcome to observe. Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: A December festival celebrated by the Yaqui people. Día de los Muertos: An annual festival celebrated in Guadalupe. Guadalupe also celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 to recognize the Hispanic community's history, culture, and achievements. In April the Town of Guadalupe has their annual car show. It’s an event full of Culture and Tradition.

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