Did You Know That Indigenous Influence Defines the Celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe’s Day?

The Virgin of Guadalupe holds a central place in Mexico’s spiritual and cultural identity, drawing millions each December 12 to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. People arrive by the thousands, many walking great distances, to offer prayers, seek solace, or express gratitude. The air fills with the melodies of “Las Mañanitas” at midnight, a serenade to the Virgin that signifies devotion woven into the nation’s fabric. 

The Origins of the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

The origins of this day trace back to December 12, 1531, when Juan Diego, an Indigenous man from Cuautitlán, reported the Virgin Mary appeared to him at the hill of Tepeyac. Her image and her words would forever alter the religious landscape of the Americas.  

According to tradition, Juan Diego was desperately seeking aid for his ailing uncle when the Virgin appeared to him near a spring known as El Pocito. She assured him his uncle was healed and instructed him to present her wish to Bishop Juan de Zumárraga: the construction of a temple on the hill. 

Initially hesitant, Juan Diego returned to the bishop, carrying roses the Virgin instructed him to gather from the barren hillside. As he unfolded his cloak to deliver the flowers, the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe miraculously appeared on the fabric. This tilma became a sacred relic, enshrined in the Basilica that now stands at the site. 

Pope Clement IX officially declared December 12 a feast day in 1667, and in 1824, Mexico’s Congress recognized it as a national celebration. For centuries, devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe, affectionately known as “La Morenita del Tepeyac,” has transcended religious practice, symbolizing resilience and unity among Mexicans. 

The Indigenous Roots of the Name ‘Guadalupe’

The name “Guadalupe” itself has rich linguistic roots. Scholars propose interpretations from Arabic, Latin, and Nahuatl, ranging from “Hidden River” to “She Who Crushes the Serpent.” These layers of meaning deepen her significance, blending Indigenous and colonial histories into a shared symbol of faith. 

A Big Celebration

The celebration builds to its peak on December 11, when throngs gather for an evening of serenades and prayer. By midnight, the Basilica resounds with song, a crescendo of collective devotion. On December 12, mass services and communal gatherings continue throughout the day as pilgrims honor the Virgin in their own ways.