The Pilgrimage of the Virgin of Zapopan
Ever since 1734, the Romería, also known as Llevada (to be taken to), is the annual pilgrimage that diverse communities make with the image of the Virgin of Zapopan.
By Jalisco Culture
Dirección de Gestión Integral de Proyectos
Image of the Virgin of Zapopan (2014-10-12) by Fabiola Rosales CalderónJalisco Culture
Devotion as a symbol of unity
The Virgin of Zapopan in Jalisco is a symbol of faith to which millions of people come to request favors or protection, which has turned this popular expression into one of the most deeply rooted beliefs in Jalisco.
In 2018, La Romería was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Pilgrimage of Dancers
More than 35 thousand dancers, in groups between 20 and 300 people, pilgrimage towards the Basilica to honor the Virgin of Zapopan.
Generations of pilgrimage by Claudia Ivonne López NavarroJalisco Culture
They dance in his honor
The sound of the drum, the call of the rattles and the smell of copal make up the scene where thousands of dancers accompany the Virgin on her journey to the Basilica of Zapopan.
Dancing pilgrim in la Romeria with orange (2014-10-12) by Fabiola Rosales CalderonJalisco Culture
Coming from various latitudes of the country, such as the State of Mexico, Mexico City, Michoacán, Zacatecas and Colima, the dancers join the groups from Jalisco in the pilgrimage.
Woman dancing in the pilgrimage of la Romería by Claudia Ivonne López NavarroJalisco Culture
The next day, every October 13, they celebrate Dancer's Day and the next Sunday they hold a party for having fulfilled their mission.
Virgen of Zapopan on the path to the Basilica (2014-10-12) by Fabiola Rosales CalderonJalisco Culture
Road of Faith
After having spent the previous night around Guadalajara's historic downtown area, at 5 am pilgrims attend a farewell mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral before the pilgrimage begins.
Kilometers later, between songs and dances to venerate and accompany La Generala, they are reached by the dawn that illuminates the image of the Virgin that was brought by the Franciscans more than 400 years ago.
Guardians of La Generala
Knights of the Order Accompany the Virgen along Her Guard.
His distinctive wardrobe of white cape and beret - which indicates rank - is striking; The Cross indicates that they are Knights of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. The ladies of the order wear a black cape and mantilla, both of which feature the scarlet Cross over the heart.
Banners representing each group of dancing pilgrims (2016-10-12) by Claudia Ivonne López NavarroJalisco Culture
The Word of the Dance
Each group of dancers that participate on the pilgrimage have a distinctive banner, also called "words". This is why they are known as "Words of the Dance".
Custodia y honor (2014-10-12) by Cultura JaliscoJalisco Culture
Guardianship and Honor
The imagen of the Virgin of Zapopan is escorted by a guard that protects her in the 9 kilometers between Guadalajara's Cathedral and the Basilica of Zapopan. Meanwhile, pilgrims walk by her and believers watch as they march on.
