This is an ideal space to connect with God, but especially with the Virgin of Zapopan. This religious sanctuary is located in the town of Zapopan, Jalisco state and attracts hundreds of people a year, who, attracted by the miracles of the Virgin, come to her temple to pray.
The religious culture of Mexico (and of Jalisco, especially) is quite deep-rooted, so the Virgin is celebrated at different times of the year. In fact, it is taken from the church to tour Guadalajara and surrounding areas, blessing its faithful.
If you want to know more about the Basilica of Zapopan, its Virgin and its mysteries, keep reading and you will know everything that has to do with this particular place of faith.
Church of Zapopan, Jalisco
Let's talk a little about this important Basilica, home of faith and tourism for Mexicans and foreigners
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How to get to the Basilica of Zapopan?
An important point of the adventure is to discover how to get to the Basilica. From anywhere in the world you can take an international flight to Guadalajara and, once there, thanks to the local transport service, you can get to Zapopan.
The cathedral is located in the center of the city, so getting to it is not difficult. There are different routes of "trucks" (this is the name given to buses in the region) that bring you to the Basilica.
Among the routes that can serve you is Route 15, Route 24 via Magdalena, 631 and 631 A, 635 and 634. Each one is duly identified, so it will not be difficult to achieve it.
However, the best recommendation is that you browse Google Maps a little before leaving and look for a map with the land transport routes, that way, you will locate yourself better. Of course, you can always take a taxi.
Ask at the reception of your hotel or inn for a map of the places of interest in Zapopan so that you can move more comfortably.
What's in the Basilica of Zapopan?
The main attraction of visiting the Basilica of Zapopan is to know the Zapopanita, as the locals affectionately call the virgin. However, the Basilica has some other attractions, which begin with the architecture of the enclosure.
In its facilities there is a convent, which forms Franciscan brothers, where cultural exchanges take place with other archdioceses and religious orders.
It has a children's choir that animates the ceremonies and practices on weekdays, so your visit may coincide with one of the rehearsals and enjoy a bit of the repertoire.
Inside the convent there is a modest but very important museum for the region, which in itself is a work and which also exhibits sculptures and paintings by various artists, where paintings of the Virgin and a representation of the Sagrada Familia stand out.
The Huichol Museum is a space for local art, specifically from the Michoacan Indians, ranging from handicrafts to rudimentary paintings and a bit of history. On the north side of the Basilica of Zapopan there is the Museum of the Virgin, where the Generala is most venerated.
As if that were not enough, the structure of the Basilica is surrounded by other small architectural gems, such as the Nextipac chapel, the Santa Ana Tepetitlan chapel and the San Pedro Apóstol temple.
We cannot leave out the image of the Virgin, built with corn cane and wood by the Michoacan Indians at the beginning of the 16th century, and one of the main attractions of going to the Basilica.
When was the Basilica of Zapopan built?
The construction of what is today the Basilica culminated in 1730 and since then the Virgin has rested in it.
Over the years, the convent was built and in recent years the facilities have been modernized, while maintaining the same original architectural line.
Who built the Basilica of Zapopan?
The Basilica was a work of the Franciscans, who received and preserved the Virgin in a small sanctuary until 1609 when, due to a natural tragedy, it collapsed and the image of the Virgin was the only thing remaining.
History of the Virgin of Zapopan, Jalisco
The image of a Zapopanita dates from between 1560 and 1570 and was brought by Fray Antonio de Segovia together with the Franciscans, who had come to the lands of Jalisco to evangelize. However, the story of the Virgin herself, and the faith, dates back much earlier.
It all begins when the Franciscans face the Indians, when they refused to abandon their God, Xopizintli, so Fray Antonio climbed the Mixtón hill accompanied by the Virgin.
Upon arriving at the place with the natives, a halo of light detached itself from the Virgin, so the friar left the locals with the image, which would lead to the creation of the Zapopan church.
The costumes of the Virgin have a special meaning. Thus, the band on her chest is because she has the title of Generala, together with the sword that gives her the title of general of the Mexican armies.
The locket in her womb has to do with her pregnancy and the scepter is for her title of queen. Of course, you have the keys to Zapopan and Guadalajara.
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What time are masses in the Basilica of Zapopan?
The ecclesiastical activity of the Basilica of Zapopan is quite varied. They offer different hours of religious services and these are:
- Monday to Saturday: at 7:00 a.m. m., 8:00 a. m., 9:00 a.m. m., 11:00 a.m. m., 12:00 p. m., 1:00 p. m. and 8:00 p. m.
- Sundays: starting with Mass at 6:00 a.m. and ending with the 9:00 p.m. mass. m., at one service per hour.
Miracles of the Virgin of Zapopan
Several miracles are attributed to the Virgin of Zapopan, but some of the most important are: the fall of the temple where it rested in 1609, which was thought to destroy the image, but it was precisely this that remained intact.
A few years later, he is credited with the miracle of giving sight to a child blind from birth.
Later, and motivated by the devotion of the Indians to the Virgin, Bishop Juan Santiago León ordered the image to be brought and miraculously after his arrival, the doctors declared an epidemic that was plaguing the town eradicated.
By this group of three miracles specifically, is that the Virgin acquired the devotion of her faithful in health matters and especially in natural disasters against wind, tide and lightning.
Undoubtedly, one of the greatest charms of Jalisco is the Basilica of Zapopan, where Our Lady of Expectation of Zapopan, waits for her faithful, delights everyone with her miracles and between June and October, goes out to visit the small temples of the region carrying faith and hope.
If Zapopan is on your itinerary, do not hesitate to go meet the Virgin, hear about her miracles and fill yourself with faith.
