Enough of the touristy/snowbird stuff we want to see more of Mexico. Usually a external trip is planned before we arrive for our sojourn, but this year we decided not to have one. As the weeks went on we thought a day trip was in order and we planned one – a 12 hr trip to Mascota/Talpa.
These two towns are on the way to Guadalajara, on the back road and are in the Sierra Madre mountains. First stop, after a coffee stop at “Carmen’s Bakery”, was Mascota – wiki ref here.
The big thing to see here is the “La Preciosa Sangre de Cristo”.
This is a ruin of a building that would have been the Cathedral, but construction stopped after an earthquake (7.9) disturbed the site and rocked the walls. But probably the quake came at a fortuitous time as the City was embroiled in Church politics and a new Basilica was thought not to be needed. A quick walk around the Town Square and then off the to Talpa. An observation of the streets in Mascota showed very few locals on the streets – peculiar.
One hour later and we were entering Talpa del Allende; wiki ref here. A Town that relies on Religous Tourism and Silver mining. Wiki quote – “Talpa is the destination of a popular pilgrimage route. In the center of Talpa is the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, which is the location of the tiny Virgen del Rosario statue, also called “La Chaparrita”, meaning the short one, who they believe does miracles. Her birthday is celebrated October 7, where millions of people walk to Talpa every year. Another date she is visited is during Easter Week. Approximately 3 million people attended to the celebrations of “La Chaparrita” yearly.[1] The walk can be anywhere from a few kilometers to a hundred or more depending on the starting point. The most famous walk is the called “Ruta del Peregrino” (Pilgrim’s Route). The Route is 117 km long, starting in the city of Ameca and ending in Nuestra Señora del Rosario church.[1] It includes several climbs of hundreds of meters. During Easter week, there are stands selling food and drinks all along to route.” Cervando, our guide told us that four million people arrive in the Town during the four different Pilgramage times, Easter being the biggest. We visited the Municipal Palace with its Murals, and could not see the inside of the Basilica as Mass was being observed.
Finishing the vist to Talpa we had lunch (Mexican time – 1.30, early for them) at the Casa Grande. On the way back Cevando introduced us to Raicilla (wiki ref), a moonshine similar to tequila. We tasted it – enough said!
A great day.
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