The Virgin of Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe, or the Virgin of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico and her saint's day is celebrated on Dec. 12th. Mexican Catholics believe that Guadalupe was a manifestation of the Virgin Mary in the Americas. There is a beautiful story that goes along with this belief.

Every night from Dec. 1-12 people from churches, businesses, civic organizations, hotels and schools walk through the streets of PV toward the cathedral, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. There are bands, mariachis, floats, and people walking, holding candles and singing hymns to "Our Lady".

I have been downtown twice, so far, watching the processions. And from what I understand, on Dec. 11th and 12th, all day and through the night, people gather at the church to sing "Las Mananitas", a traditional chant to Mary. There is a very festive atmosphere and people have fun but are also respectful. I am looking forward to spending a lot of time in the centro, and at the church, on those two days. I will write more about the processions and the traditions after the 12th. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these pictures from the processions.






Different tribes of Indians participate in the processions. These two knelt and lit incense and then joined the others in a dance. The headdresses are beautiful.

The processions are on Juarez street and continue for about 1 mile to the church. On all the side streets, there are puestos (stalls) selling food, balloons, Santa hats (!), you name it and they are selling it! These people set up shop on a side street selling food. The blue tank is gas to run the grill. See the coolers on the table on the right? People sit at the table and eat.

Many groups have signs telling who they are or which organization is sponsoring them. This sign says: "Virgen Morena (Dark-skinned Virgin), Your children from the Cuale River Market are grateful for all your blessings. Pray for us!" The Virgin is often called the "Dark-skinned Virgin" or La Morenita or La Virgen Morena.

It is traditional to bring something to the church from the people in the procession. This man carries a basket of fruit. I have seen baskets of flowers, and other foodstuffs being offered. Each group seems to wear some kind of "uniform". This group in red and white, others in green and white, and yet others in all white.

This was a group of students representing some civic organization. The girls played the drums and boys played the trumpets. If you look carefully, you can see the drum that the girl is carrying.

This young girl, portraying Guadalupe, stands among flowers and a painted backdrop. The "Guadalupe girls" keep their eyes downcast and look prayerful. Sometimes Santiago is also with Guadalupe on the float. Santiago was the Mexican boy to whom the Virgin appeared in the year 1531. Other floats may have musicians and/or flowers on them.

Anywhere you find a group of Mexicans having fun, there will be mariachis!! And here they are!

This is the altar at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Another float with "Guadalupe", a musician, and baskets of food offerings.

These ladies from one of the churches carried pictures of Guadalupe and sang hymns as they marched.

This young man is dressed in the costume of Santiago. I have seen little boys wearing this clothing for a week now.

This little girl wears a traditional dress. She is hanging onto her chichirrones (fried pork skins)!!

This is a very interesting time for me in Mexico. Participating in the cultural traditions and learning about them first hand has been very special for me. For years I have read about the celebrations of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the Dia de los Muertos, but actually being with the people when they celebrate their heritage is a wonderful experience.

You will hear more about this next week.

Hasta luego.