The Government of Oaxaca and the energy company Iberdrola México inaugurated the new artistic lighting of the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude, an initiative that is part of México Brilla (Mexico Shines), a program that combines cutting-edge technology with respect for historical heritage.
“Today we celebrate the lighting of the Basilica as part of this social program, an effort that allows us to admire our heritage, even under the night sky. With this lighting, we have now illuminated the third of the ten buildings included in the initiative. It is another step in our commitment to highlight the grandeur of our Historic Center and strengthen the bond between the community, its history, and its most cherished spaces,” said Sildia Mecott Gómez, Director General of the Institute of Cultural Heritage of the State of Oaxaca, representing the Governor of Oaxaca, Salomón Jara Cruz.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude is the third building in Oaxaca City to be illuminated by the Mexico Shines initiative, following the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.
Built between 1682 and 1690, it is one of the most representative examples of New Spanish Baroque architecture and holds profound spiritual significance and great historical value as the sanctuary of Our Lady of Solitude, Patron Saint of the state and a symbol of faith, identity, and deep-rooted connection for the city’s inhabitants.
“The illumination of the Basilica of Our Lady of Solitude is much more than a technical project: it is a tribute to the memory and identity of Oaxaca. Thanks to the collaborative work with the State Government, this sanctuary now joins the list of cultural treasures that shine even brighter with Mexico Shines. When we combine our efforts, we multiply our results,” stated Paola Martínez, Director of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility at Iberdrola Mexico.
In Oaxaca de Juárez, whose historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, the “México Brilla” (Mexico Shines) project includes the illumination of a total of 10 buildings. In addition to the Basilica, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, which already have new lighting, the list includes the churches of San Matías Jalatlaco, San Felipe Neri, the Preciosa Sangre de Cristo (Blessed Blood of Christ), the Church of the Society of Jesus, and the Church of San Agustín, as well as the Macedonio Alcalá Theater and the Oaxaca State Government Palace.
This project is promoted by the Iberdrola Mexico Foundation, in coordination with the State Government, the municipality of Oaxaca de Juárez, the Archdiocese of Oaxaca, and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
During his participation in the event, the Secretary of Infrastructure and Communications for the State Government, Architect Carlos Vichido Hernández, emphasized that this collaboration strengthens and promotes the cultural richness of Oaxaca and places it at the forefront of heritage site lighting, distinguishing it as a major tourist destination in Mexico. He also acknowledged the collective effort to conserve Oaxaca’s cultural heritage, a wealth that will be passed on to future generations.
For the temple’s illumination, 72 state-of-the-art LED projectors were installed, providing a floodlight effect and allowing for precise light direction to accentuate architectural elements. This has reduced current electricity consumption by 55%, respecting the building’s historical character and enhancing its majesty. Furthermore, the technology employed faithfully preserves the original colors and textures, recreating natural lighting that improves the visual experience and minimizes light pollution.
Before each intervention, an in-depth study of the building’s history and construction phases is conducted to ensure that the new lighting respects and preserves its heritage character.
The installation was carried out by Varona, a company specializing in the lighting of buildings declared as Cultural Heritage Sites, and which serves as a technical partner in this project. Among the historical monuments they have illuminated are the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Monastery of El Escorial in Spain, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Tombs of the Kings in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.
Source: iberdrolamexico
