December 12: The Virgin of Guadalupe Fiesta

A couple of weeks before the Christmas season officially begins, Mexicans join together for the festivities of La Virgen de Guadalupe, Our Lady of Guadalupe, on December 12.

This is one of the most important dates in the Mexican Calendar.

Today, thousands of faithfuls to Our Lady of Guadalupe from all over the country make the most important pilgrimage of all those undertaken during the year to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City, where the miraculous image of la Virgen Morena is kept.

The celebration begins the day before, as thousands and thousands of people start to arrive. Many of them make the trip from their place of origin by bicycle. Trucks follow them to provide assistance and for them to have a place to rest if that is necessary.

Some of the pilgrims arrive on their knees even as a sign of their enormous devotion and gratitude for a favor received. Groups of dancers and musicians also gather to offer their art to the Virgin.

By nighttime, the atrium is filled with pilgrims. People of all ages and of all regions of the country gather together, physically as well as spiritually.

Although it is in the Basilica de Guadalupe where the most important rituals and celebrations of this special date take place, there are also fiestas all over the country; practically everywhere where there is an altar to the Virgin.

By the early hours of the morning, in all parts of the country, the burst of fire crackers is hears and their brilliant lights crown this national fiesta dedicated to the Mother of all Mexicans…Our Lady of Guadalupe.