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Smiling she says, “María Guadalupe is the Mother of México.” It’s amazing to see her faith among the 7 million people that pilgrimage to la Villa from all corners of the Americas every year, especially in December. Very different kinds of people, especially of humble lifestyle, come down to la Villa to show their love in very different ways.
There are famous and unknown singers serenading her different songs, including the Mexican equivalent of Happy Birthday, with mariachi bands and traditional instruments. Indigenous dancers clad with shells, seeds, and handmade masks; they’re dancing an offering of love and gratitude for her apparition. Others want to accompany Our Lady in the pain she suffered when her son was crucified, and so they make their way to basilica on their knees until they bleed.
There are so many people making this pilgrimage, that the city makes various accommodations in this time. There are medical stations throughout, since the large crowds, long walk and lack of food and water cause fainting, dehydration and other ailments. Locals set up a massive market with everything from religious objects, crafts, balloons, toys, parakeets predicting your future, and street food.
Laura says she prefers not to go during that time of the year, she’d rather attend a mass celebration in her honor and pray the rosary. “I can talk to her like a mother, I have so much love and trust that I feel a sense of familiarity and assurance that I can’t find anywhere else.
Pina Escudero