Every October 12, Mexico dresses up to commemorate the day of the Virgin of Zapopan with its traditional Pilgrimage. On this occasion, municipal and state authorities reported the attendance of 2 million 200 thousand faithful.
The Zapopan Pilgrimage is a tradition rooted in the state of Jalisco (Mexico) that honors the venerated image of the Virgin of Zapopan. This celebration has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The annual event consists of a 9-kilometer processional route from the Metropolitan Cathedral of Guadalajara to the Basilica of Zapopan, visiting various churches in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara along the way.
In a press conference, the governor of Jalisco, Enrique Alfaro Ramírez and the mayor of Zapopan in Guadalajara, Juan José Frangie, confirmed the attendance of 2 million 200 thousand people in this year’s Pilgrimage and highlighted the success of the event.
The festivity culminated with a Mass in the Basilica of Zapopan, presided over by the Archbishop of Guadalajara, Cardinal Francisco Robles Ortega. In his homily, the Cardinal asked for peace in the country and reflected on the challenges facing Mexican society.
“Having with us the sign of love, mercy and salvation [which is the Virgin] we ask ourselves why at the same time we have so many signs, so many signs of pain, suffering and death? Why do we suffer so much violence, so much insecurity, so much inequality?” questioned the Cardinal.
He reiterated that, although it seems that “we have lost our way,” the experience of being with the Virgin of Zapopan, “under her gaze, under her protection,” reaffirms that it is always possible to “return to the mercy of God our Father.”
Cardinal Robles Ortega then called for the construction of peace, emphasizing that violence and death “should not be the destiny of society.” He also urged the community to practice “love, patience, and brotherhood,” taking God as an example in his dealings with sinners.