San Juan de los Lagos, Religious pilgrimage center in Jalisco, Mexico
San Juan de los Lagos is a religious pilgrimage center in Jalisco state, central Mexico, set in the rolling hills of the Los Altos region. The basilica at the town center rises over a broad plaza, surrounded by buildings of pink sandstone that give the place a cohesive appearance.
The settlement was founded in 1542 by Father Miguel de Bologna and initially bore the name San Juan Bautista de Mezquititlan. Over the following centuries, the site grew into a major pilgrimage destination and adopted the current name of San Juan de los Lagos.
The statue of the Virgin inside the basilica draws believers from across Mexico and beyond, many of whom walk for days to reach the sanctuary. During the main feast days, the streets around the temple fill with pilgrims, street vendors and families who pray together or light candles.
The largest crowds gather in late January and early February during the religious feast days, after which the town becomes quieter. Those wishing to explore the center can reach most buildings on foot from the main plaza, while the surrounding area spreads across gentle hills.
The local economy combines corn and bean farming with mining activity in the wider area. Despite the agricultural tradition, religious tourism remains an important part of daily life for many residents throughout the year.
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