Basilica de Zapopan

The Basilica de Zapopan in the municipality of Zapopan, northwest of central Guadalajara, is one of the most important Marian shrines in Mexico. It houses the statue of the Virgin of Zapopan, a figure credited with miraculous interventions during colonial-era epidemics and military conflicts. The Baroque facade dates to the 18th century; the interior has been heavily decorated over three centuries of donations.

The plaza in front of the basilica is one of the most atmospheric in the Guadalajara metropolitan area — more traditional and less tourist-oriented than the historic centre plazas. Zapopan has its own market and pedestrian streets worth exploring after visiting the church.

things to do sight
A story
Every year on October 12, a small statue of the Virgin of Zapopan — just 33 centimetres tall — is carried in procession from the Cathedral of Guadalajara back to the Basilica in Zapopan, a journey that draws crowds of over a million people and is one of the largest religious processions in Mexico. The statue has been making this annual journey since 1734.