Festival of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe – Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe –Feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe -December 12th

Historically and emotionally, the Lady of Guadalupe is deeply woven into the life of every Mexican. The Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated in special way, especially in Mexico but increasingly in United States too. On this day, December 12th, thousands of faithful, from all over the country, make the pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe, in Mexico City, where the Sacred Image is kept. . Mexicans join together for the festivities of La Virgin de Guadalupe. This is one of the most important dates in the Mexican Calendar.

December 12th is the main feast day but preparations begin 9 days before with a novena, special prayer devotion repeated on nine successive days. Each evening, believers gather at a church to pray the rosary and ask for her intercession with their prayers. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the Basilica of Ville Madero on the outskirts of Mexico City where the most impressive ceremonies in honor of the Virgin are held.
On the day before the great celebration, thousands of people begin to arrive. Many of them make the trip by bicycle. Trucks follow to provide assistance and a place to rest. The atrium of for than 46 thousand square meters fills up quickly. Some of the pilgrims arrive on their knees for miles as a sign of their devotion and gratitude for a favor received.
On the day before the great celebration, thousands of people begin to arrive. Many of them make the trip by bicycle. Trucks follow to provide assistance and a place to rest. The atrium of for than 46 thousand square meters fills up quickly. Some of the pilgrims arrive on their knees for miles as a sign of their devotion and gratitude for a favor received.

The most exciting part of the festival beings on the eve of December 12. The conchero dancers gather at the atrium of the church. They plan mandolin-shaped instruments. The dacing-hopping steps are performed repeatedly and last throughout the feast day. Groups of dancers alternate to keep up the pace. At midnight on Dec. 12 las Mananitas, the Mexican Birthday Song, is sang by all.
Groups of dancers and musicians come to offer their art to the Virgin. In the early hours of the morning of the day of the feast, firecrackers can be heard. Celebrations continue throughout the day. Homemade shrines can be found throughout the crowds. It is clear that the Lady of Guadalupe has the heart of the people of Mexico.
Groups of dancers and musicians come to offer their art to the Virgin. In the early hours of the morning of the day of the feast, firecrackers can be heard. Celebrations continue throughout the day. Homemade shrines can be found throughout the crowds. It is clear that the Lady of Guadalupe has the heart of the people of Mexico.