The Feast of Guadalupe

Virgen de Guadalupe

Today, throughout Mexico, is the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, its Patron Saint.
The day is observed in many ways, with processions, masses and, in some parts of the country, with long-distance journeys made by individuals to honor a promise made to Guadalupe.  Please click the link to see the unique way in which the day is marked in the state of Quintana Roo on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula-

https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-race-for-guadalupe.html

Guadalupe Church, San Cristóbal de las Casas: Video available

Guadalupe Church, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas

This church, located in San Cristóbal's Barrio de Guadalupe, was built in 1854.  In 1931 following the crowning of its statue of Guadalupe and the initiation of its dome, it became a

major pilgrimage site in Chiapas, with many coming to the church to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12, which is her feast. The site of hundreds of pilgrims mounting the steep steps to the church is a dramatic one. 

The Virgin of Guadalupe is a devotion that originated in Central Mexico in conjunction with the Aztec/Nahua-speaking culture.  She is a very complex figure and historically there has been much controversy over the reputedly miraculous image of her which resides in the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City.  Despite this, she remains universally popular in Mexico, beloved by all levels of the population and is the patron saint of Mexico.  

Churches dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe are found in cities throughout Mexico.  The following video shows the beautiful Guadalupe church in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas.  As is the case in most Chiapas churches, Mayan shaman (healers) can sometimes be found performing their healing rituals and a few are shown at work in this video.   Please click the following link to view the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60gE2ahW84c