12 Oct Discover why the Basilica of Zapopan is so important for the people of Guadalajara

Posted at 12:22h in Art and Culture, Family Friendly by

Going to the center of Zapopan is to know part of the history of Guadalajara since here you will find an architectural icon of the city.

Zapopan is one of the municipalities that make up the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, it is the one where you will find large buildings and shopping centers as it is a more contemporary area of ​​the city, however, here you will also find an important and historic site that accounts for part of the Guadalajara history and culture, it is the Basilica of Zapopan.

We tell you about the Basilica of Zapopan

The Basilica of Zapopan begins its history during colonization, when Franciscan friars arrived in ancient Nueva Galicia from Michoacán, bringing with them the image of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception. In honor of this virgin, a chapel was built in the area, which collapsed in the 17th century, leaving the image intact, thus granting her the miracle of being unharmed. Based on this fact, it was decided to build the ceremonial center of Zapopan in 1690, a work that was completed until 1730 and was named at that time as the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Zapopan; Its designation as a Basilica was granted by Pope Pius XII until 1940.

The importance of the Basilica and the Virgin of Zapopan for the Guadalajara culture is reflected every October 12 during the Zapopan Pilgrimage, the third most important pilgrimage in Mexico where up to two million parishioners and dancers accompany the Virgin on her return. home from the Guadalajara Cathedral to the center of Zapopan, a path of approximately 9 kilometers through the city.

The Pilgrimage of Zapopan, a Guadalajara tradition

The history of the Zapopan Pilgrimage revolves around the Virgin, however, this tradition dates back a little after her arrival to the region, since in 1695 Guadalajara suffered a storm with epidemics and floods, so they were asked to bring to the Virgin of Zapopan for her miraculous fame to end these misfortunes.

In 1734 Guadalajara once again suffered unfortunate events such as another outbreak of deadly diseases and a lightning strike that ended in a fatal tragedy, so the residents once again requested a visit from the Virgin to prevent further misfortunes. Thus began the tradition in which, every year, the Virgin of Zapopan makes a visit to different temples in the city for a season, with the Guadalajara Cathedral being her last stop before returning to her home.

The Zapopan Pilgrimage is the largest religious event in the city, therefore, knowing this tradition and its history is a pretext to visit this site to delve deeper into the history of Guadalajara. Also, if you are already in the center of Zapopan, you can take the opportunity to visit the Zapopan Art Museum (MAZ), enjoy Plaza las Américas to try a snack and visit a restaurant in Andador 20 deNovember to have a good afternoon.

We are already waiting for you in Guadalajara and Zapopan.

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