🙏 Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan
Mexico
About This Sacred Site
The Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan, located in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, houses the beloved image of the Virgin of Zapopan, a small corn-paste statue from the 16th century credited with countless miracles. Each year on October 12, over a million pilgrims accompany the statue on a procession known as La Llevada, returning her from Guadalajara Cathedral to the basilica. The Virgin is credited with protecting Guadalajara from storms, plagues, and earthquakes, earning her the title 'La Generala' (The General). The current baroque basilica was completed in 1730.
Key Facts
- •The Virgin of Zapopan statue is only 34 centimeters tall, made from corn paste in the 16th century
- •Over 1 million pilgrims join La Llevada procession every October 12
- •The Virgin was named 'La Generala' for allegedly protecting the city from disasters
- •The basilica was completed in 1730 in Mexican baroque style
- •Pope Benedict XVI elevated it to the status of basilica in 2009
Location
Coordinates: 20.7214, -103.3913
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