Mexico and Brazil: Surge in Attendance at Shrines of Our Lady of Aparecida and Our Lady of Zapopan

(ZENIT News / Guadalajara, 10.23.2026).- Major Ibero-American Marian shrines are welcoming an increasing number of pilgrims, both in Latin America and in Spain. This growth highlights a spiritual momentum within Western society, a trend that stands in contrast to the narrative of a predominantly secularized environment often presented in mainstream media.

The Shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza, Spain, reported similar trends during the first half of 2025, with a 22.4% increase in registered groups and a 45.6% rise in the number of pilgrims. Additionally, one million people visited the Shrine of Fátima in Portugal between January 1 and May 11, 2026, a slight increase, according to the Shrine’s Rector, Father Carlos Cabecinhas, who spoke at a press conference.

The image of Our Lady of Zapopan in Guadalajara, Mexico, drew one million people during the traditional Romería (pilgrimage), in honor of the Blessed Virgin, on October 12. This date marked the conclusion of what is popularly known as the «Bringing of the Virgin» (Llevada de la Virgen) to the Basilica, with a Mass celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio to Mexico, Monsignor Joseph Spiteri.

In 1734, the Virgin of Zapopan was declared «Patroness against lightning, storms, and epidemics,» and it was established that her image would visit the city’s churches and chapels every year. Over the course of 142 days, the image traveled through parishes, hospitals, schools, markets, businesses, and correctional facilities across the region.

The municipal government of Zapopan reported that one million people accompanied the Virgin. During the closing Mass, the Apostolic Nuncio to Mexico urged those present to «be true sons and daughters of Mary» and to reject those «negative aspects that threaten peace.»

The Nuncio encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in «fighting for the truth and for the common good, in order to rebuild and strengthen the social fabric,» while remaining sensitive enough to «hear the cry of the most vulnerable.»

Elsewhere in the Americas, at the National Shrine of Aparecida, dedicated to the Patroness of Brazil, 200,295 people were recorded on October 12, the day of the feast. This marked a 32% increase in the number of pilgrims, with 48,134 more visitors than in the previous year.

This figure surpassed the 195,078 visitors recorded in 2014. According to data from the Shrine, 479,782 people paid homage to Our Lady over the course of ten days of celebrations. The program for the Patroness’s Feast Day included seven Masses, a Marian Vigil, a Solemn Consecration, and the traditional Solemn Procession through the outdoor areas of the complex.