In 1928, government soldiers climbed the Cerro del Cubilete with dynamite. The original Cristo Rey statue—begun in 1923 as a monument at the geographic center of Mexico—had become intolerable to President Plutarco Elías Calles, whose government was hunting priests and closing churches. The soldiers destroyed it. Within hours of the news spreading, Mexican Catholics across the country began quietly planning its replacement.
The history of the present monument cannot be separated from what the Cristero War destroyed. From 1926 to 1929, the government attempted to eradicate the Church: priests were executed, churches shuttered, and Catholics who resisted faced firing squads crying "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" When the persecution finally ended, the faithful returned to the mountain. Pope Pius XI—who had himself instituted the Feast of Christ the King in 1925 as a direct response to the secularism that produced such persecutions—blessed the new project from Rome. The current 20-meter bronze statue was completed in 1950.
Every year on the Feast of Christ the King (the last Sunday of November), over half a million pilgrims climb the mountain or gather at its base. Many come on foot from Guanajuato, León, and beyond, carrying the memory of the Cristeros who cried "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" as they faced firing squads.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The Cerro del Cubilete was identified as the geographic center of Mexico in the late 19th century. Catholic leaders saw the potential for a national monument to Christ that would proclaim the faith from Mexico's heart. Construction of the first statue began in 1920, supported by contributions from across the country.
President Plutarco Elías Calles, implementing the anticlerical provisions of the 1917 Constitution, ordered the monument destroyed in 1928 during the height of the Cristero War. Priests were hunted; churches were closed; Catholics who resisted were executed. The dynamiting of Cristo Rey became a symbol of the persecution.
The Cristeros—Catholic peasant guerrillas who fought the government—adopted "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" as their battle cry. When captured, they often shouted these words before their executions. Pope Benedict XVI canonized a group of these martyrs in 2000.
After the persecution ended, plans for a new monument revived. Archbishop José Garibi Rivera of Guadalajara led the effort. The current statue, designed by Fidias Elizondo, was completed in 1950. Pope John Paul II visited in 1990, celebrating Mass for over a million faithful gathered on the mountain.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Guanajuato
Sanctuary of Christ the King (Cristo Rey)
Santuario del Cristo Rey
The 20-meter bronze statue of Christ stands atop a 9-meter globe, arms extended over the nation. The base contains a chapel with daily Mass and confession. The mountainside features Stations of the Cross for pilgrims who ascend on foot. The summit offers panoramic views across the Bajío region.
Chapel of the Martyrs
Within the monument's base, this chapel honors the Cristero martyrs with images and relics.
Way of the Cross
The mountain ascent passes through 14 stations, allowing pilgrims to meditate on Christ's passion while climbing to meet the risen Lord at the summit.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Christ the King — Last Sunday of November
The great annual pilgrimage draws over 500,000 pilgrims. Many begin walking days in advance, arriving at the summit for Mass celebrated by bishops and archbishops of the region.
Anniversary of the Monument — January 11
Commemorating the 1950 dedication.
Cristero Martyrs Memorial — Various dates
The canonized martyrs are honored on their individual feast days throughout the year.
🚗 Getting There
By Air: Del Bajío International Airport (BJX) near Silao is 20 km from the monument.
By Bus: Buses serve Silao from Guanajuato, León, and Mexico City. From Silao, taxis and local transport reach the mountain base.
By Car: From León or Guanajuato, follow signs to Cerro del Cubilete. The road ascends to a parking area below the summit; the final approach is on foot.
On Foot: Traditional pilgrimage routes lead from Guanajuato, León, and other cities, especially during the Feast of Christ the King.
📚 Further Reading
Books:
Jean Meyer, The Cristero Rebellion — Definitive history of the religious conflict.
🔗 Useful Links
Cristo Rey Sanctuary — Official site with pilgrimage information.
Archdiocese of León — Regional church information.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
San Juan de los Lagos (180 km northwest) — Mexico's second most-visited Marian shrine.
Guadalajara (250 km west) — Cathedral and colonial churches.
Guanajuato City (25 km east) — UNESCO World Heritage city with numerous colonial churches.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"¡Viva Cristo Rey!" — Saints Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions, Martyrs of the Cristero War
