Basilica de nuestra Senora de Guadelupe

In 1531 a 'Lady from Heaven' appeared to a poor Indian at Tepeyac, a hill northwest of Mexico City; she identified herself as the Mother of the True God, instructed him to have the bishop build a temple on the site and left an image of herself imprinted miraculously on his tilma, a poor quality cactus-cloth, which should have deteriorated in 20 years but shows no sign of decay 474 years later and still defies all scientific explanations of its origin. It apparently even reflects in her eyes what was in front of her in 1531!

December 12 is the official day of honor for the Virgin of Guadalupe, and is also a Mexican national holiday. The festival paying homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe has been celebrated in Mexico for hundreds of years, and today millions of pilgrims proceed to the site of the ancient temple of Tonantzin, (now known as the Basilica of Guadalupe) in Mexico City to pay their respects.

Today, the festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe is a much anticipated holiday event featuring colorful parades, people wearing traditional dress, fireworks, feasts, concerts, dances and parties. The festival is celebrated across the country and is well worth participating in.