Our Lady of Guadalupe Processions

Here holiday celebrations are deeply rooted in the faith, tradition and cultural heritage of Mexico, starting with the processionals for Our Lady of Guadalupe which marks the beginning of the holidays inPuerto Vallarta.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico, from the traditional story of the Virgin Mary's appearance before an impoverished Indian named Juan Diego in December 1531. The virgin's image was said to be imprinted on Juan Diego's cloak during the encounter which occurred just outside of Mexico City.

From December 1^st to 12^th, families, friends, companies, and organizations all pay tribute to the Virgin of Guadalupe by parading through the streets of the city with candles, music, offerings and signs declaring their devotion, making their way to the cathedral located in Vallarta’s main plaza.  It is colorful and joyful, full of song and dance and with an overriding sense of unity, including those from different social classes, orientations and backgrounds.

The processionals are not only an expression of religious faith to the second most revered icon of Mexican Catholicism after Jesus Christ, but they also include many aspects of traditional indigenous culture found in the Banderas Bay region, making the celebration incredibly culturally unique.