Zapopan’s pride and joy, the Basílica de Zapopan, built in 1730, is home to Nuestra Señora de Zapopan, a petite statue of the Virgin visited by pilgrims year-round. During the Fiestas de Octubre, thousands of kneeling faithful crawl behind as the statue is carried here from Guadalajara’s central cathedral. The kneeling pilgrims then make the final trek up the basilica’s aisle to pray for favors at her altar.
The Virgin receives a new car each year for the procession, but the engine is never turned on (thus remaining ‘virginal’) – instead it’s hauled by men with ropes.
The early evening, when local families throng the plaza outside and streams of pilgrims, nuns and monks fill the pews, is a magical time to be here.
