I fell into a dreamy, peaceful state. Parking the van, walking slowly across the large plaza infront of the church, watching and becoming the milling pilgrims and playing children and sleeping dogs. I let the feeling of anticipation and joy completely fill me. Inside a few dozen pilgrims sit here and there on the pews. A group of fifteen are clustered together singing softly but with great passion, and a constant stream approaches the altar and image of the Virgin of Talpa.
Many pilgrims make the final one hundred meter approach to the altar on their knees.
Some are crying, their faces showing the most profound adoration. These pilgrims come from different socio-economic classes and parts of Mexico. There are poor rural peasants and stylish city-folk, army officers and Catholic nuns, children and elders. Everyone is peaceful, friendly, gentle, and joyful to be here. Talpa is not mentioned in any of the tourist guide books.