Zapopan

Basilica of Zapopan

On Thursday, we toured the city of Zapopan. Today, it's basically a suburb of the Guadalajara. However, it was originally populated by Zapotecs before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in 1530. Since the population was dwindling, the Spaniards moved other indigenous people into the area. Zapopan's claim to fame came with these immigrants and a missionary intent on evangelizing them. It is a small statue called the Virgin of Zapopan.

Found here (scroll to bottom of blog):
http://peregrinozapopano.blogspot.mx/2007_02_01_archive.html

The Virgin of Zapopan was made by a local artist in Michoacan in the 16th century using the local technique of "pasta de cana" (paste made from stalks, in this case, corn stalks). The original is quite eloquently innocent (see above). It stands a mere 34 cm (13 inches) tall. It was transported from Michoacan to Zapopan by Fray Antonio de Segovia. Today, the statue resides at the front of the Basilica of Zapopan, a Franciscan church started in the 17th century and completed in the 19th century. The Virgin of Zapopan has been placed on a pedestal of silver, clothed in rich garments and crowned (see below). Due to its diminutive size, it's difficult to even make out the Virgin's face when standing in the church.

The Virgin of Zapopan, dressed and crowned.

There's a great museum of the Huichol or Wixaritari people housed inside the Basilica. This indigenous tribe still live traditionally in the state of Jalisco today. There's examples of their clothing, houses and craft work as well as descriptions of many Huichol traditions. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take any photos inside of the museums. But, if you'd like to know more about their traditions, visit the museum (only 10 pesos for adults and 5 pesos for kids) or check out this link: http://wixarika.mediapark.net/en/.

Vortice by Marcela Armas

Next, we walked to Zapopan's Museum of Art.  It's a small, contemporary art museum. The current exhibitions include work by Marcela Armas and Humberto Ramirez. When you first walk into the museum, the first piece that greets you is a double helix mobile hanging from the ceiling. It is made up of cogs with texts printed on them. Every once in a while a motor runs and turns all the cogs along the spiral.

Collage of sports images by Humberto Ramirez

On the second floor is the work by Humberto Ramirez, exploring the concept of games and sportsmanship. There are a variety of objects, including collages with images from different sporting events, hunting images, and a movie of a man attempting a hot dog eating challenge. MAZ is open Tuesday through Sundays from 10-6 and Thursdays from 10-10. Free entry.

Our final stop today was Parque Avila Camacho. At this park, you can rent paddle boats and paddle along a river. There are jungle gyms as well as a bounce house for a kids. The entire park has wide, paved paths for cyclists and pedestrians. One kid was even riding his electric skateboard along the pavement while his dad was videoing. Plus, there are lots of chairs and shade to sit under. Very family friendly. Entrance is free; but, there is a fee for parking.