Peregrinaciones: December Processions in Puerto Vallarta

In Puerto Vallarta the traditional Peregrinaciones are processions celebrated during the first twelve evenings of December. Learn more about this tradition of the Mexican culture.

For centuries, thousands of Mexicans have revered the image of a dark-skinned Virgin or virgen morena. Legend has it that, during one of her appearances as a vision to native Juan Diego, her image was embossed miraculously by the roses she asked him to carry in the front of his tunic to the parish priest. Although it was Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, she was given the name, The Virgin of Guadalupe (La Virgen de Guadalupe), here in Mexico by church authorities.

According to Catholic Church sources, the visions took place between December 9 and 12 in 1531. 2008 is the 477th commemoration of what took place in the mountains near Tepeyac. The Virgin of Guadalupe is a symbol of faith and hope for many Mexicans. Each December 12, her followers unite to seek her help or thank her for favors granted.

In Puerto Vallarta, the celebrations take place during the first twelve evenings of December, with pilgrimages leading to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Downtown/Centro. These processions have taken place ever since this church was built in 1921, but it wasn’t until 1942 that the event began to grow thanks to the promotional work of Father Rafael Parra, who was believed to have been “very devoted to the dark-skinned Virgin.” In 1945, Father Rafael commissioned a painting of the Virgin by Guadalajara artist Ignacio Ramírez, which is still on display inside the church.

This year, more than 300 pilgrimages are expected, just slightly more than the past few years. The pilgrimages usually begin at the corner of Juárez and 31 de October Streets, but some of the larger hotels prefer to start at their location. During the journey, the participants, which include students, hotel employees, community members and all types of institutions, community organizations and merchants, chant and pray in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe as they march

Along the way, especially in the downtown area, the streets are lined with food stands offering traditional Mexican foods and snacks, such as tamales, atole (hot cornmeal drink), corn on the cob, sweet churros (like dough-nuts), fried bananas, salchipulpos (fried, seasoned sausages), tostadas, pozole (corn chowder), enchiladas and tacos at affordable prices.

Staring at midnight on December 11, the parishioners unite at the Church of Guadalupe to honor the Virgin by singing “Las Mañanitas” (the traditional Mexican birthday song). During the course of the day, there are mariachis and local bands livening up the celebration. The main pilgrimage, called “de los hijos ausentes y favorecidos” (the absent children and the favored), takes place midday. The children are dressed in costumes and traditional cotton clothing. Pilgrims continue to arrive until 11:30 pm. The last mass is performed at 8:00 pm, always accompanied by joyful music.

 

Recommendations:

- Remember that the bus routes are modified and do not reach the center of town. You will have to walk; use caution.
- Another option is to take the tunnel route, cross the Cuale River and walk to the Church of Guadalupe.
- Arrive early; there tends to be a large gathering of people.
- Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing; temperatures cool at night.
- Bring drinks with you; bottled water is preferable. 
- Do not litter on public streets; use the trash bins.
- Avoid bringing small children because the walk is long and may be too much for them.