The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12 each year. It honors the Virgin Mary under the title Our Lady of Guadalupe, who according to Catholic tradition appeared to an Indigenous man named Juan Diego near Mexico City in 1531. She is the patroness of Mexico and of the Americas, and her feast is one of the most important religious and cultural celebrations in Mexico and among Mexican American communities in the United States.
History of Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
According to tradition, on December 9, 1531, Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, an Indigenous convert, saw a vision of a young woman on Tepeyac Hill, near present-day Mexico City. She spoke to him in his native Nahuatl language and asked that a church be built there. When the local bishop asked for a sign, Juan Diego returned on December 12 with roses gathered on the hill in winter, carried in his tilma, or cloak. When he opened it before the bishop, an image of the Virgin was revealed on the cloth.
The tilma is displayed today in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, one of the most visited Catholic shrines in the world, drawing millions of pilgrims, especially around December 12. The image combines Christian and Indigenous symbols and became a powerful symbol of Mexican identity.
Our Lady of Guadalupe was declared patroness of the Americas in the 20th century, and Pope John Paul II canonized Juan Diego as a saint in 2002, making him the first Indigenous saint from the Americas.
Why Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Matters
For many Catholics, the feast celebrates faith, hope and Mary's care for the poor and marginalized.
It is also a cultural celebration. The image of Guadalupe appears on everything from church walls to murals and tattoos, symbolizing Mexican and Mexican American heritage and pride.
Learning about the feast helps people understand one of the most significant traditions in Mexico and in many U.S. communities.
How to Celebrate Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Attend a Mass or procession: many parishes celebrate with early-morning services.
- Sing Las Mañanitas: join the traditional serenade at dawn.
- Enjoy traditional foods: share tamales, pan dulce and champurrado.
- Learn the story: read about Juan Diego and the tilma.
- Visit a mural or shrine: look for Guadalupe imagery in your city.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, be aware that colleagues may attend early-morning celebrations; flexible scheduling can be appreciated. In classrooms, students can learn about the story as part of Mexican history and culture, explore how the image blends Indigenous and Spanish symbols, or study traditional art forms. At home, families who observe the feast may attend Mass, sing Las Mañanitas or prepare traditional foods; others can visit a local celebration respectfully to learn more.
Fun Facts About Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Tradition says the apparitions took place December 9–12, 1531.
- The tilma is displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
- Juan Diego was canonized in 2002.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe FAQs
When is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe?
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is celebrated on December 12 each year.
Who is Our Lady of Guadalupe?
She is the Virgin Mary as she is believed to have appeared to Juan Diego near Mexico City in 1531.
Who was Juan Diego?
An Indigenous Mexican who, according to tradition, saw the apparitions; he was canonized in 2002.
What is the tilma?
The cloak of Juan Diego, which bears the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Where is the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe?
In Mexico City, at the foot of Tepeyac Hill.
How is the feast celebrated?
With Masses, processions, Las Mañanitas serenades, dances and traditional foods.