Talpa de Allende
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◈ Every day, the aromas of guava, coffee, and gum trees waft over this town of mountainous landscapes, stately old homes, and industrious people. It’s always ready to welcome visitors motivated by one of the most surprising human forces: faith.
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◆ Walking up to the Capilla de la Cruz de Romero for a look at the mountainous valley and the town.
◆ Picking up coffee, guava candies, and chilte (gum tree) handicrafts.
◆ Checking out the maple forest.
See the image-sculpture of Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa.
❖ Basílica and Museo de Nuestra Señora del Rosario
Check out the Basilica where thousands of people come on pilgrimage to have a spiritual encounter with the Virgin of the Rosary. You can learn about her history and countless miracles.
The churrigueresque and gothic-styled church holds inside the venerated Virgin of Talpa. The image-sculpture of Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa experienced the Miracle of Renovation: where the corn cane paste material became something else. Each year, over 3 million people make the pilgrimage to come see her.
A short walk away, there’s the Museo de Nuestra Señora del Rosario. The museum displays various religious objects, as well as a collection of dresses made for the Virgin figure featuring 24-carat gold thread embroidery. Be sure to ask about the legends surrounding the town’s holy patron.
❖ Calzada de las Reinas
Along this street, you can see a number of different sculptures with Marian invocations in honor of the queens of Mexican Catholicism.
Calzada de las Reinas is one of the first things you encounter when arriving to this Magical Town in Jalisco. Built in 2004, it’s a work created for the thousands of pilgrims that visit the town in order to see the Virgin Mary figure. Along this street, you can see a number of different sculptures with Marian invocations in honor of the queens of Mexican Catholicism.
❖ Other Religious Works
In addition to being home of the sacred image of Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa (one of the most venerated in Mexico), this Magical Town is an excellent place for lovers of sacred art.
Here, you can see four chapels: the Parroquia de San José (dating from 1858), Cruz de Romero (a giant, 18th-century cross), and the Cristo Rey monument, with an observation deck located at the top of the hill of the same name. You can also see the colonial-style Capilla del Mineral de El Cuale, built during the region’s mining boom, as well as the recently erected Capilla de Concepción del Bramado.
❖ Cool Off at Aranjuez
A few miles from Talpa de Allende, you’ll find Aranjuez, a small town where there’s a gorgeous waterfall. It’s a great place to splash around and cool off or relax at water’s edge while enjoying a picnic. Getting there entails a walk through thick foliage as you follow a stream. It’s best to hire a local guide.
❖ Climb to the Top of Capilla de la Cruz de Romero
You can’t come to Talpa de Allende without buying coffee, guava candies, jellies, and chilte handicrafts or walking to the Capilla de la Cruz de Romero to check out the mountainous valley and the town. You have to visit the maple forest.
❖ Shop for Local Handicrafts
Classics include handicrafts made from chilte (gum of an endemic tree). You’re sure to see different figures in the shops near the Basilica.
Pick up guava products like jellies, fruit snacks, fruit rolls, and caramels made in Talpa’s factories. Look for coffee from the towns of El Desmoronado and la Cuesta in grocery shops that also sell rompope and fruit liqueurs.
❖ Day of the Virgin of Talpa
October 7 is the feast day of the Virgin of the Rosary. This entails the traditional “Bathing of the Virgin.” At that time, the faithful of the town and surrounding areas come to visit her.
Outside that date, pilgrims from across Mexico come to Talpa to visit the venerated virgin. This is primarily on February 2, Candlemas Day. The nine-day mass for St. Joseph, during Holy Week, and during the Crowning of the Lady of the Rosary on May 12.
