Description of the attraction
In the suburb of Guadalajara called Zapopan, there is one of the main temples of the city - the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan. Virgin Mary Zapopan is recognized as the heavenly patroness of Guadalajara. Her cult began at the end of the 17th century, when monks from the Franciscan order began to build a magnificent temple in her honor. The basilica was built from 1690 to 1730. According to local Indian legend, the Mother of God Zapopan appeared before the Indian tribes and urged them to change their faith and submit to the European conquerors. A statue of the saint was installed in the basilica, created long before the construction of the church, which is considered miraculous.
The local basilica, located far from the city center, is extremely popular with believers. This temple is a pilgrimage site where people come from all over Central America. Especially many believers gather here on October 12, when a solemn procession with the statue of the Virgin Mary Zapopan takes place across the city. The shrine is transported in an open car, and thousands of people turn their prayers to it. Every year a new car is selected for this procession. She is not driving under her own power, she is being pulled by strong men who argue among themselves for the right to carry the sculpture of the Mother of God Zapopan. The day ends with a festive mass and merry dancing in the square in front of the temple.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan is famous for its rich decoration. Here you can see works of art by many renowned local artists. They are all written on religious topics.
