Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In a burst of color, tradition and religious fervor, Puerto Vallarta transforms into a vibrant spectacle during the first 12 days of December. The streets come alive with the annual ‘Peregrinaciones’ or pilgrimages, culminating in the joyous celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12.
Known as Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, this significant religious and social festival commemorates the miraculous appearance of the Virgin of Guadalupe to the Indian peasant Juan Diego on December 12, 1531. Legend has it that Juan Diego encountered a vision of a pregnant Indian woman on Tepeyac Hill, outside modern-day Mexico City, who identified herself as “The Virgin Mary, mother of the one true God.”
Mary reappeared to Juan Diego over three days and told him, even though it was December, to gather flowers upon the hill. Juan Diego found a patch of Spanish roses, gathered them and dropped them before the bishop, revealing the image of Mary seared into his cloak. To this day, the cloth is on display in Mexico City at the Basilica of Guadalupe, which was constructed at the site of the miraculous appearance, and is the most visited Marian shrine in the world.
Here in Puerto Vallarta, the virgin is honored by nightly pilgrimages to the Church of Our Lady Of Guadalupe. This iconic structure, with its distinctive crown allegedly designed to resemble a tiara worn by one of Emperor Maximilian’s mistresses, serves as the backdrop for a unique blend of indigenous pagan and Christian rituals.
The candlelight processions, typically starting from Woolworth’s and spanning 11 blocks down Juarez street to the Guadalupe church, showcase a mix of young warriors dancing, banners waving, and colorful floats depicting the Virgin Mary and Juan Diego. Once the last procession reaches its destination, a special mass in devotion to Puerto Vallarta’s revered patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe, is celebrated.
On the eve of December 12th, the final procession embarks on its journey towards the Cathedral, culminating in a special mass dedicated to Puerto Vallarta’s revered patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe. This date also marks the 172nd anniversary of Puerto Vallarta’s founding by Don Guadalupe Sanchez in 1851.
Beyond its religious significance, the festival becomes a backdrop for various community ceremonies, including baptisms, confirmations, first communions, and weddings. Fireworks illuminate the sky, folk dance groups perform, traditional parades entertain the crowds, and the malecón buzzes with street vendors offering fruits, food, souvenirs, and local specialties.
A beautiful, religious and cultural event in Mexico, the Festival of Guadalupe is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most beloved celebrations, drawing crowds of many thousands each year.