Basílica de Zapopan
The blend of modern urban development, old architecture and a cultural legacy of traditions makes this buzzing suburb an irresistible place to explore. We invite visitors to see for themselves why Zapopan has earned recognition as an amazing and exciting suburb.
Plaza de las Américas “Juan Pablo II”
This plaza is the renovated heart of Zapopan that combines architecture, traditions and color along with its lively inhabitants who gather here in the afternoons to enjoy its tranquil atmosphere. (Hidalgo and E. Zapata).
Virgen de Zapopan Basilica
The construction of this basilica began at the end of the seventeenth century. The large plaza in front of the building allows visitors to observe the grandeur of its baroque, plateresque façade. Its pair of richly decorated towers is flanked by the old Franciscan Convent. (Hidalgo and Eva Briceño. 3633 1881).
Huichol Wixarica Art Museum
This museum exhibits handicrafts made by the ethnic group Huichol Wixarica. It also sells some of their handmade works of art as well as traditional garments: morrales (bags), blouses, beaded bracelets, wood figures, etc. (On one side of the Basilica. Mon - Sat 9:30 am – 1:30 pm and 3 pm - 6 pm; Sun 10 am - 2 pm 3636 4430).
San Pedro Apóstol Church
This church, whose construction dates back to 1819, is neoclassical in style. Two crosses and a roman arch at its entrance welcome visitors inside, where the Ionic-style main altarpiece is stunning. (Hidalgo and E. Zapata).
Basilica Administrative Center
A simple building that acts as a venue for cultural events: art exhibitions, conferences, concerts, etc. (On one side of Plaza de las Américas. 3818 2200 Ext. 3849).
Zapopan Art Museum
World-class cultural space whose three rooms exhibit the most select modern art. Its forum hosts well-known musicians, dancers, playwrights and film directors. Guided tours. (Andador 20 de Noviembre 166. Tues – Sun from 10 am – 6 pm; Thurs from 10 am-10 pm; 3818 2575. www.mazmuseo.com).
Paseo Teopitzintli
A picturesque and lively paved street, perfect for spending an evening in its many bars, cafes and restaurants housed in historic mansions. (From the Arcos de Ingreso up to the main square) Arcos de Ingreso A stone monument more than 20 m (65 feet) high with two roman arches beautifully embossed with the history and traditions of Zapopan. (Av. De las Américas and Av. Ávila Camacho).
Municipal Palace Built in 1942, the palace’s Mexican colonial style includes a courtyard supported by columns and roman arches. Inside, visitors can see the beautiful mural La Revolución Universal by the Guadalajaran painter Guillermo Chávez Vega. (Hidalgo and 16 de Septiembre. Mon - Fri 8 am - 8 pm; 3818 2200).
College of Jalisco
This is a one-of-a-kind, prestigious institution of higher learning focused on the culture of western Mexico. It has bibliographic riches of some 80,000 volumes. (5 de Mayo 321. Mon – Fri 9 am – 5 pm; Sat 9 am – 2 pm; 3633 2616 / 2196. www.coljal.edu.mx).
Trompo Mágico Interactive Museum
Unique to Latin America, this museum’s contemplative, interactive and technologically advanced areas have made it a fourth generation children’s museum. (Av. Central 750. Tues – Fri 9 am – 5 pm; Sat – Sun 11 am – 7 pm; 3030 0030. For information on groups: 3030 0001. www.trompomagico.com.mx).
Caza Benito Albarrán Museum
Taxidermy art display of more than 300 pieces from small and big game hunting, including animals from America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Placed in dioramas that illustrate their natural habitat, the pieces were hunted by don Benito Albarrán and his sons. (Paseo de los Parques 3530. Sundays only 10 am – 2:30 pm; weekdays, guided visits for groups with a prior appointment. 3641 4511. museoalbarran_srivera@hotmail.com.mx).
Former Santa Lucía Hacienda
Founded in 1639, the hacienda’s 4000 hectares (9,884 acres) still retain a large part of their splendor Still breathtaking are its old chapel from the seventeenth century, altarpieces and religious images, extensive gardens, livestock ranch and crop fields. Available for large-scale events. Visits by appointment. (Juan Manuel Ruvalcaba 139, Santa Lucía. 3897 0788. www.haciendasantalucia.com.mx).
Traditions Virgen de Zapopan Pilgrimage
A deep-rooted tradition of great importance, this exceptional manifestation of faith began in 1734. The small 34-centimeter (13.4-inch) corn stalk figure has an amazing ability to bring people together. The pilgrimage reaches its peak every October 12, when more than two million faithful followers congregate to accompany the Virgen de Zapopan on her journey back to her home, the Zapopan Basilica.
Fiesta de los Tastoanes
This festival dates back to the sixteenth century. It represents the reenactment of the conflicts between the tastoanes (tastoán: from the nahuatl word tlatoani, which means “he who speaks,” a term used to refer to the indigenous, pre-Hispanic governmental leaders) and the Apostle Santiago. This apostle was eventually venerated for his curative powers. July 25-27 in Nextipac, with variations in other places such as Santa Ana Tepetitlán (September 9-12), Jocotán (September 8-9), Ixcatán and San Juan de Ocotán.
