Mexico/Jalisco: San Juan de Los Lagos – Basilica of the Virgin of San Juan

The small town of San Juan de los Lagos is the second most visited pilgrimage site in Mexico (after the cathedral in Mexico City). The spectacular Basilica of the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos on the main square holds the sacred small 50cm statue of the Virgin Mary or Cihuapili in the Nahuatl Indian language. The image is thought to possess miraculously qualities and powers and is ascribed several miracles (as well as healing powers, blessings, good fortune, and the whole nine yards of good stuff). Supposedly, the statue brought a dead girl back to life back in 1600s, and the word spread, and the spectacular cathedral was built here in 1732 – elegant with two tall towers and beautiful decorations. The cathedral is undead very beautiful, but sadly getting inside wasn’t a possibility given a long line of pilgrims with the access schedule packed for days forward combined with COVID restrictions.
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