Cheap Flights to Mexico City (MEX) from UK Airports

Religious festival held annually to celebrate the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary.

Discover spiritual devotion during the build-up to the festive season by joining the thousands of people who make the pilgrimage every year to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Every December, pilgrims travel to this destination to see the image of la Virgin Morena, the Virgin Mary, which was miraculously printed on a cloth apron after she appeared to an Atzec convent at the church in 1531.

As one of the most important dates on the Mexican calendar, residents commemorate the event with the festivities of Our Lady of Guadalupe. At this time, thousands of people gather in the city, including many groups of dancers and musicians, to honour the story.

Inside the church, a mass is given that commemorates the ritual and joy of the momentous occurrence. The original Basilica of Our Lady dates back to 1536, and although it remains today, the ageing structure became impractical for its growing congregation. Today, a church that was built in the 1970s houses the holy relic; the church was purposefully designed with a circular shape so the relic could be seen from every angle of the building.

Outside of the church, fiestas are held all over the city. During the night, fire crackers are set off all across the destination, bringing a vibrant end to an important religious observation. Whether you go as a disciple or simply a lover of music, the festivities and the amazing atmosphere of the fiesta offer interesting insights into the culture and devotion of Mexico City.