La Romería (the pilgrimage): ritual cycle of 'La llevada'… (Mexico)
Nomination: Representative List 2018
EN: The Virgin of Zapopan's attire is notable for its golden tones; it has a triangular shape with a long cape and embroidered over fine fabrics. The image was a gift to Zapopan on the day of its foundation in 1541
EN: The Virgin is received by the bearer and practitioner communities with great jubilation in the different visits she makes, as part of the significant features of the tradition of 'The Carryiyng' ('La Llevada') dated since 1734
EN: An escort of children accompanies and guards the Image in its ritual tour, demonstrating the great validity of the tradition and the warranty of continuity and transmission to the next generations
EN: On the most important and impressive visits of the ritual cycle 'The Carrying' is to the Chapala Lake
EN: Massive participation in the Renewal of Sponsorship Mass on the Esplanade of the Hospicio Cabañas, a fact that marks the last point in the itinerary of the Traveling Virgin
EN: From the early hours of October 12th, thousands of dancers dressed in brightly colored attires fill the streets of Guadalajara. These groups accompany the Virgin of Zapopan from almost 280 years ago
EN: More than two million people participate in the procession of October 12th, day in which the Virgin of Zapopan returns to her shrine and culminating day of the ritual cycle of 'La Llevada'
EN: The deep sound of the snail shells, of pre-Hispanic inheritance, played by the dancers, welcomes the Virgin of Zapopan in her shrine, is one of the main features that distinguish this cultural expression
EN: The dance groups' attires consist of multiple variations of pre-Hispanic inspiration, profusely decorated with feather art, beads, sequins, etc., with designs in permanent recreation. Even when they are all war dances, each has its own identity
EN: A woman carries his young son during the preparations for October 13th, the Day of the Dancer. The continuity of this cultural expression is ensured through its transmission to the next generations
