La Romeria is one of the largest religious and cultural events to take place in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, mainly in the city of Zapopan and Lake Chapala in the state of Jalisco. Its spirit embodies solidarity, dialogue, and respect for diversity.
Known as Lady of Expectancy, La Generala, or Zapopanita, the Virgin of Zapopan was named Patroness of Storms and Lightning in 1734. Her statue is housed in Guadalajara from June 13 to October 12, and her canonical coronation was held on 18 January 1921, during which she was presented with the keys of Guadalajara, the city of which the Virgin was proclaimed patroness after Mexico gained independence in 1821.
From May to October, this sacred cycle in Jalisco ends on October 12 with the pilgrimage to various neighborhoods, parishes, hospitals, markets, factories, schools, and jails in Guadalajara. The pilgrimage is done by the statue of the Virgin of Zapopan, or Our Lady of Expectation.
The annual Zapopan celebration of La Romeria, which honors the Virgin of Zapopan, was established in 1734. It marks the end of the 'Carrying of the Virgin' cycle that begins in May and covers many activities in the liturgical and community. At the end of the cycle, the pilgrims make a return journey to the Basilica, in Zapopan.
The festival's main feature is the large presence of different native dancer groups. La Llevada, or carrying, and the other activities derived from the ritual cycle encompass a mass public demonstration featuring different artistic expressions of collective collaboration. More than two million people participate, and one of the most distinctive features is the huge presence and involvement of native dancer groups. A lot of work goes into planning the activities throughout the year, and the interaction of different communities helps to renew and reinforce social ties. Due to community support year after year.
Now, La Romeria is considered one of the most well-known and popular traditions in west Mexico. Various groups including civil and ecclesiastical have worked together to ensure the survival of this cultural manifestation. Approximately two million pilgrims along with over 30,000 dancers accompany the Virgin on her almost 9-kilometer journey.
The event has been going on for about 300 years, with about 2 million pilgrims taking part. Even so, despite the modern advances in science and technology, many are still inclined to believe in Nuestra Senora de la Expectation (Our Lady of Expectation), or simply Zapopanita.
It is one of the largest religious and cultural events that takes place in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, mainly in the city of Zapopan and Lake Chapala in the state of Jalisco. Its spirit embodies solidarity, dialogue, and respect for diversity. Known as Lady of Expectancy, La Generala, or Zapopanita, the Virgin of Zapopan is the patroness of storms and lightning. In 1734, she was named Patroness of Storms and Lightning. The statue is housed in Guadalajara from June 13 to October 12. Her canonical coronation was held on 18 January 1921, during which she was presented with the keys of Guadalajara, the city of which the Virgin was proclaimed patroness after Mexico gained independence in 1821.
From May to October, this sacred cycle takes place in Jalisco and ends on October 12 with the pilgrimage to various neighborhoods, parishes, hospitals, markets, factories, schools, and jails in Guadalajara. The pilgrimage is done by the statue of the Virgin of Zapopan, or Our Lady of Expectation.
The annual Zapopan celebration of La Romeria, which honors the Virgin of Zapopan, was established in 1734. It marks the end of the 'Carrying of the Virgin' cycle that begins in May and covers many activities in the liturgical and community. At the end of the cycle, the pilgrims make a return journey to the Basilica, in Zapopan. The festival's main feature is the large presence of different native dancer groups. La Llevada, or carrying, and the other activities derived from the ritual cycle encompass a mass public demonstration featuring different artistic expressions of collective collaboration. More than two million people participate, and one of the most distinctive features is the huge presence and involvement of native dancer groups. A lot of work goes into planning the activities throughout the year, and the interaction of different communities helps to renew and reinforce social ties. Due to community support year after year,
Now, La Romeria is considered one of the most well-known and popular traditions in west Mexico. Various groups including civil and ecclesiastical have worked together to ensure the survival of this cultural manifestation. Approximately two million pilgrims along with over 30,000 dancers accompany the Virgin on her almost 9-kilometer journey. The event has been going on for about 300 years, with about 2 million pilgrims taking part. Even so, despite the modern advances in science and technology, many are still inclined to believe in Nuestra Senora de la Expectation (Our Lady of Expectation), or simply Zapopanita.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/la-romera-the-pilgrimage-ritual-cycle-of-la-llevada-the-carrying-of-the-virgin-of-zapopan-01400) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Our_Lady_of_Zapopan) (http://www.banderasnews.com/1812/nr-unesco-recognizes-zapopan-jalisco-pilgrimage.htm) (https://ontheroadin.com/romeria-zapopan-religious-festival/) (https://www.gob.mx/sre/prensa/unesco-names-virgin-of-zapopan-pilgrimage-intangible-cultural-heritage?idiom=en) |Subject=Belief, dance, Music, Ritual |Country=Mexico |Region=Jalisco |SDG=(16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions }}