The statue of Jesus the Fisherman [Jesús Pescador]

Notes, thoughts and commentaries from the travels of Joseph Connolly and Terry Pochert
TRAVEL Home Page | Europe | Mexico

Chapala, Mexico

The statue of Jesus the Fisherman [Jesús Pescador] is located on a rocky outcrop just off the lakeside malecón (boardwalk).

As suggested by its name, Jesús Pescador represents Jesus as a fisherman. The imagery of a fisherman is deeply symbolic in Christian tradition: Jesus calling disciples who were fishermen, the idea of “fishers of men,” etc. It connects Jesus’s work to those who live by the lake — Chapala being a lakeside community. The statue thus serves as religious iconography and a local landmark.

Although we couldn’t find the name of the actual artists on any plaques or signage, folks often attribute this sculpture to Dino Mario Zilla. Not sure why we couldn’t find any authoratative references to him. Regardless, it was erected sometime during 2007-2009. Some controversery revolved around the placement on the pier, but it certainly is now a tourist attraction.