Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Puerto Vallarta begins a year of historic reflection and communal gratitude as the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe) prepares to commemorate a century of faith. Tuesday, January 6, marks the official start of a year-long celebration honoring the Oath to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a tradition that has anchored the local community since 1926.
The origins of this festival trace back to a period of great uncertainty for the region. One hundred years ago, after eight days of relentless rain threatened to destroy local crops, the people of Vallarta gathered to sign a formal act requesting divine protection. This shared moment of resilience in the face of natural disaster established a spiritual foundation that continues to define the city’s historic center today.
To launch this centennial year, the parish will host a special mass at 7:00 pm tonight (Tuesday, January 6). Following the service, the public is invited to attend a free conference at 8:00 pm titled “The Sacred Heart of Jesus,” presented by Miguel Ángel Rodríguez Curiel. This event serves as the first of many scheduled over the next twelve months to honor the diverse history of the region’s first established parish.
These celebrations bridge the gap between several significant milestones for the local Catholic community. While the centenary focuses on the 1926 oath, the year also marks the 70th anniversary of the Los Favorecidos pilgrimage. This tradition began in 1946 when a group of families returned safely from a journey to Mexico City after surviving a dangerous accident, a moment of survival that transformed into an annual display of gratitude.
The upcoming calendar of events also highlights the enduring influence of the Guadalupana Torch, recognized as the oldest of its kind in Latin America. This tradition involves a dedicated group of runners known as antorchistas who carry a “sacred fire” across vast distances every December during the Guadalupana celebrations.
Parish priest Arturo Arana López noted that 2026 acts as a tapestry of these religious and historical threads, including the 100th anniversary of the Cristero uprising. The Cristeros were Catholic and conservative Mexicans who resisted the implementation of the law promoted by President Plutarco Elías Calles. Local figures like Father Francisco Ayala played active roles in that movement, further connecting the parish to the broader narrative of Mexican history.
Through mass, education, and public gathering, the parish aims to bring residents and visitors together to appreciate the longevity of these traditions. By honoring the past century, the community ensures that the light of faith and the lessons of local history remain a guiding force for future generations.
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