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ZAPOPAN , some 6km northwest of the city centre, is the site of the Basilica de la Virgen de Zapopan , one of the most important churches in the city, much revered by the Huichols. Pope John Paul II gave a Mass in the giant plaza in front of the church during a visit to Mexico in 1979; a statue commemorates the event. The Baroque temple houses a miraculous image of the Virgin that was dedicated to the local Indians by a Franciscan missionary, Antonio de Segovia, after he had intervened in a battle between them and the conquistadors. Since then, it has been constantly venerated and is still the object of pilgrimages, especially on October 12, when it returns from the cathedral to the church in a massive procession - some 200,000 people march it back - having toured, and been displayed in, all the churches in Guadalajara. This is one of the highlights of the city's Fiestas de Octubre . Beside the church, a small museum (daily 10am-2pm & 4-6pm; free) exhibits clothes and objects relating to Huichol traditions, as well as a photographic display of their modern way of life. They also sell Huichol crafts, including psychedelic yarn paintings ( cuadros de estambre ) and beadwork. Zapopan is served by the #275 and TUR buses at the opposite end of their routes from Tlaquepaque and has its own tourist office , at Vincente Guerrero 233, two blocks behind the church in the Casa de Cultura (Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-1pm; tel 3/818-2200), with further information about what to see and do in Zapopan and the surrounding area.
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