FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS

Guadalajara offers various festivities full of color and tradition, such as those that honor the Virgin Mary. They take place in churches of nearby towns, such as San Juan de los Lagos, where the Holy Virgin is celebrated with processions, music, diverse dances, fireworks, and other festivities from Jan. 25 to Feb. 2. In Zapopan, the Basilica of the Virgin of la Expectacion organizes a pilgrimage to nearby towns and it returns to Zapopan on Oct. 12. On that day, the pilgrims are treated to an impressive celebration with dances, mariachi serenades and a fireworks show. Finally, in the town of Talpa de Allende, Jalisco?s largest pilgrimage takes place in March, which pays homage to the Virgin of Rosario de Talpa.