A Tradition of the People of Puerto Vallarta
The first twelve days of December are dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe in a heartfelt celebration of faith and gratitude. This is due to the deep devotion that the people of Puerto Vallarta and much of Mexico have for this religious figure, considered the Patroness of Mexico and a symbol of the country's cultural identity. This tradition is rooted in historical, religious, and social contexts that are fervently expressed in the city.
Devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe dates back to December 12, 1531, when, according to tradition, the Virgin appeared to the indigenous man Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin on the hill of Tepeyac, in what is now Mexico City. This apparition was pivotal for the evangelization of indigenous peoples, blending elements of Catholic faith with pre-Hispanic beliefs.
Puerto Vallarta’s strong Catholic heritage embraced the veneration of Our Lady of Guadalupe from the early years of its foundation. The Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, inaugurated in 1921, became the spiritual center of this celebration and one of the most iconic landmarks of the city.
From December 1 to 12, pilgrimages wind through the streets of downtown Puerto Vallarta, culminating at the Parish of Guadalupe. These processions are acts of faith and gratitude, involving diverse communities, guilds, families, and tourists, accompanied by music, traditional dances, candles, flowers, and traditional foods.
For many Vallartenses, these days represent a time of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual renewal. Additionally, the celebrations strengthen social bonds, as they involve collaboration among neighbors, workers, and local organizations. The festivities are not only a religious event but also a cultural manifestation that attracts national and international tourists. The streets come alive with color, music, traditional food, and artistic performances, showcasing the rich culture of Puerto Vallarta.
December 12, the official feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, marks the culmination of the festivities. It is celebrated with solemn masses, fireworks, and cultural events, closing this cycle of devotion with great enthusiasm. The Guadalupan celebration in Puerto Vallarta reflects not only faith but also the community’s identity and the city’s characteristic hospitality, making it one of the most significant and deeply rooted traditions in the local calendar.
The Fiestas Guadalupanas feature up to 400 processions with floats, dancers, live mariachi and band music, and fireworks that culminate at the main altar of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Juárez Street in downtown Puerto Vallarta is filled with street vendors offering Mexican snacks, traditional sweets, desserts, and religious items.
The Peregrinación de los Favorecidos (Pilgrimage of the Grateful) in Puerto Vallarta draws up to 20,000 devotees on December 12, making it the largest procession of the entire twelve-day celebration. The Fiestas Guadalupanas of Puerto Vallarta have been declared "Intangible Cultural Heritage of the State of Jalisco" due to their profound significance in the collective identity of the community.
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