The Virgin of Zapopan, patron saint of Guadalajara since 1734, is considered throughout Jalisco and many other parts of the country, as a miracle maker. After her long pilgrimage through most of the churches in the city, on her birthday (October 12), she begins the 7 kilometer journey back home. The Llevada de la Virgen takes her from the Guadalajara Cathedral back to the Basca de Zapopan. Because of her innate gift for helping people, thousands gather for the procession to escort her back, accompanied by prayer, chanting and song.