The first twelve days of December are very interesting here in Puerto Vallarta because they are devoted to the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patron saint of Mexico. She is said to have appeared to a simple peasant named Juan Diego on the top of a hill near Mexico City between the 9th and 12th of December, 1531. According to the legend, she emblazoned her image on Juan Diego’s cloak so he could spread her word. She is the most famous icon for Mexican Catholics.
The cloak with her image can still be seen in Mexico City at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Here in Vallarta, the processions begin on the first of December and start from the corner of Juarez and 31 de Octubre Streets. Pilgrimages are made by different groups such as schools, businesses, and hotels from PV and from surrounding towns. You can buy a program at the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the processions’ ending point, for a schedule.
There are also dancers in traditional native dress, complete with colorful headdresses made of feathers. Seeing these dancers in a Catholic event is a wonderful example of the blending of pre-Hispanic and western culture that makes up modern-day Mexico.
The bells in the church will be ringing throughout the day, as well as into the evening. The square in front of the church will be filled with booths selling delicious foods and drinks.
These two weeks are a great time to be here in Puerto Vallarta, to learn about Mexican culture, and to be a part of the country’s most famous public religious event.
On December 12th, the final night, there will be mariachi bands and fireworks, so come and bring your camera!
