Basílica de Zapopan

Lonely Planet review

Built in 1730, the Basílica de Zapopan is home sweet home to Nuestra Señora de Zapopan, a tiny statue of the Virgin visited by pilgrims from near and far. The faithful crawl up the basilica's aisle on their knees to pray for favors at her altar. Throughout the year the statue makes a tour of other churches in Jalisco, eventually reaching Guadalajara.

On October 12, during the Fiestas de Octubre, the statue is taken from Guadalajara's cathedral and returned to Zapopan, amid much merrymaking; the occasion draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. The Virgin receives a new car each year for the procession, but the engine is never turned on (thus remaining 'virginal') - instead, the car is hauled along by ropes.