The Virgin of La Ropa
December 4, 2006An image of the Virgen de Guadalupe appears near Playa La Ropa
In the past few days one of the parking spaces in the parking lot at the end of La Ropa beach, next to the local bus stop, has been converted into a place of reverence to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
According to local reports, on November 27th, 2006, the image of the virgin appeared on the bole of a plum tree that overhangs the parking lot, and it is considered by many to be a miracle, considering the upcoming festivities in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patron saint of Mexico, that take place every 12th of December.
Nearby restaurants, hotels and tourist facilties are excited about the possibility of this occurence attracting greater numbers of tourists and pilgrims to the area, particularly over this Christmas/New Year holiday period.
The shrine is currently festooned with colorful ribbons, flowers, candles and other decorations. A small table has been set up at the base of the hill on which the tree stands, to hold offerings of votive candles left by visitors.
Update 2008: The shrine continues to exist and be visited regularly. The base of the tree has been shored up and plants are being cultivated around it; there is a simple but effective set o fwooden steps leading to the base of the tree so that the image can be more easily seen and people can light and deposit their offerings of candles and flowers. Every 12th of December, mass and a candlelit vigil is held with chants and music.