The Guadalupana faith it has been lived with intensity, on the eve of December 12, in different parts of the country, with pilgrimages and also activities in support of those who visit the different religious sites.
In the Guadalupean sanctuary of Saint Christopherin Merida, YucatanFrom early in the morning, dozens of torchlighters and pilgrims from various parts of the state arrived at the temple.
Motorcycles and bicycles with images of saints, some of them weighing up to 50 kilograms, flooded the streets surrounding the sanctuary.
Roxana Diaz29 years old, and Diane Hoyle, of 25, made a pilgrimage from their ranch in rancho Viejo, Isla Mujeres, to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Cancun to venerate the Virgin.
Together with their children,ages three and seven,thay walked a stretch of road for three hours. two and a half kilometers. “It has been three years as we carried out this pilgrimage and we kept our promise,” they said.
In Tamaulipas, thousands of faithful celebrated with the “Mañanitas” to Guadalupana in the midst of cold weather due to the arrival of the northern event that has been affecting as Tuesday night.
Boatmen from Acapulco also made a maritime pilgrimage to the Virgin of the Seas in la Yerbabuena,asking for health and giving thanks for the blessings after hurricanes Otis and John.
Chalco, Chalco Valley, Ixtapaluca and La paz reported intense vehicle load on the highway Mexico-Puebla by the pilgrims who go to the Basilica of Guadalupe.
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CUSTOMARY ACTIVITIES FOR THIS COMMEMORATION
Angel of the Cross, originally from Puebla, For two months he has passed through several states in the country to arrive in Cancun for the first time to sell religious images.
“I dedicate myself to making ceramic images, a craft I learned from my dad 15 years ago. On the eve of this party, I go from town to town to sell them.This time I made around 100 figures”he commented.
Genny Alcocer and her husband Gamboa, also residents of San Cristóbal, have been offering refreshments to pilgrims at the Guadalupe sanctuary for more than 30 years.
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“For this occasion we made 100 packages of cakes with their juice and an apple, thus we reinforced not only our faith, but that of the people who travel kilometers to reach San Cristóbal,” he commented.
The church atrium was filled with faithful, while Idelfonso Alcocer and 17 friends left on motorcycles for Mexico City.
They left on November 28,arrived at the Basilica of Guadalupe on December 2,and returned to San Cristóbal early today.
María sosaya and Crescencio,from Temax traveled by motorcycle taxi to the Guadalupe temple in Mérida with 68 pilgrims,carrying images of the Virgin.
YUCATECO PRIEST RECOGNIZES THE SACRIFICE OF THE GUADALUPANIANS
The parish priest José Gilberto Pérez Ceh reported that around 20 thousand Guadeloupans will pay tribute to the Virgin, 161 guilds y pilgrims that arrived earlier.
“Despite the rainy weather, this has not stopped the arrival of dozens of faithful, even though the celebration fell during the week, when many believers are also in their respective homes.” work centers”, he concluded.
How does the Guadalupana faith influence community identity among its devotees?
Interview between time.news Editor and Religious Studies expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the vibrant and deeply spiritual world of the Guadalupana faith, especially as we approach December 12th, a significant day for countless devotees.Joining us is Dr. Elena Montez, an expert in religious studies and cultural anthropology.Thank you for being here, Dr. Montez.
Dr. Elena Montez (EM): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a rich aspect of Mexican culture.
TNE: The Guadalupana faith has been observed with great fervor across Mexico, especially during this time of year. Can you share a little about the significance of December 12th for the devotees?
EM: Absolutely! December 12th is celebrated as the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who is considered the patroness of the Americas.this day commemorates her apparition to Juan Diego in 1531. For many, it’s not just a religious observance but a reaffirmation of identity, community, and cultural heritage. It brings together people from various backgrounds to express thier devotion through pilgrimages, music, and communal activities.
TNE: Speaking of pilgrimages, we read about torchlighters and pilgrims flocking to the sanctuary of Saint Christopher in Merida, Yucatan. What drives these individuals to undertake such journeys?
EM: The act of pilgrimage is deeply rooted in the spiritual tradition. For many, it’s a way to fulfill promises, seek blessings, or express gratitude. The physical journey, despite its challenges—like the three-hour trek made by Roxana Diaz and Diane Hoyle—becomes a transformative experience. It symbolizes resilience and faith, as they navigate both the physical landscape and their inner spiritual journey.
TNE: That’s fascinating! We also read about celebrations in Tamaulipas, where the “Mañanitas” were sung in the cold. What role do these traditions play in the overall celebrations?
EM: The “Mañanitas,” a customary early morning song, is a gorgeous way to greet the Virgin on her feast day. It fosters a sense of community as people gather in festivity, despite the cold or other elements. These traditions enhance the communal experience of faith and provide comfort and warmth through song and fellowship. It’s a reminder of shared beliefs and the emotional power of music in worship.
TNE: It sounds like the weather can’t dampen the spirits! We also noticed an interesting maritime pilgrimage by boatmen from Acapulco, praying for health and giving thanks. How does this reflect the diversity of the Guadalupana faith?
EM: Yes, the maritime pilgrimage demonstrates the adaptive nature of the Guadalupana faith. Different regions express their devotion in uniquely local ways. for Acapulco’s boatmen, the sea is both a source of livelihood and a space for spiritual expression. They turn to their faith, notably after significant events like hurricanes, to seek protection and express gratitude. This reflects the broader narrative of how cultural and geographical contexts influence worship practices.
TNE: That’s such an vital observation. as we see this enthusiasm in places like Chalco and Ixtapaluca,where heavy traffic is reported due to the influx of pilgrims,what do you think drives so many people to participate in these celebrations?
EM: The enormous turnout during such celebrations can be attributed to several factors—cultural,emotional,and social. for many, it’s about participating in a larger narrative, being part of a community, and passing down traditions. Plus, the act of pilgrimage itself offers individuals a chance to reflect on their lives and connect with something greater than themselves. It’s a powerful unifier in a diverse and frequently enough fragmented society.
TNE: Thank you, Dr.Montez, for sharing your insights with us today. The Guadalupana faith truly represents a beautiful blend of community, tradition, and spiritual resilience.
EM: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critically important cultural phenomenon. It’s always inspiring to see faith bring people together in such profound ways.
TNE: And thank you to our readers for joining us! Stay tuned for more stories that delve into the heart of cultural practices and their impact on society.