Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – From December 1 to 12, Puerto Vallarta transforms into a scene of faith and tradition as thousands gather to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe. This beloved celebration pays tribute to the miraculous apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Indian peasant Juan Diego on December 12, 1531, commemorated with colorful processions, music, and dance.
Nearly 400 pilgrimages will fill the streets this year, marking a record-breaking celebration. Groups from businesses, unions, neighborhoods, and organizations will parade from Woolworth’s to the historic Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, built in 1903. This beloved landmark serves as the centerpiece of the festivities, uniting the faithful in gratitude and celebration.
Many of the candlelit processions feature floats portraying the Virgin and Juan Diego, while others are accompanied by traditional songs and ceremonial dances blending Aztec and Christian traditions. Families, workers, and visitors join together, filling the streets with heartfelt devotion and gratitude.
Street vendors line the downtown plaza, offering traditional foods, sweets, handicrafts, and souvenirs, adding a festive atmosphere to the spiritual celebration. Highlights of the event include the Guadalupe serenade and the Torch Celebration, where volunteers relay a flame lit at Mexico City’s Basilica of Guadalupe across a thousand kilometers to Puerto Vallarta’s Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.
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.
Recognized as Cultural Heritage of Jalisco in 2018, Guadalupe celebrations are a testament to the enduring faith and cultural richness of Puerto Vallarta. As city and church officials prepare for this year’s festivities, they invite everyone to join in the celebration of this significant religious and cultural event.