SAN DIEGO — About 2,000 faithful followers participated in a procession honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron saint, on the first day of December in San Diego.
The mile-long procession, which began at Morley Field and wound through residential streets in North Park, featured dancing, prayer, and colorful outfits. It concluded with a mass at Saint Augustine Catholic High School.
"This is our way of showing her appreciation for everything she's done for us because we believe she intercedes for us when we need it," said Clemente Lopez, a Catholic parishioner.
The celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe dates back to the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors were introducing Christianity to Mexico. According to tradition, she appeared to an indigenous man, unifying European and Indigenous communities.
The Auxiliary Bishop of the San Diego Catholic Diocese explained the significance.
"When she appeared many, many years ago in the 16th century in Mexico, she unified the communities, the Europeans and the Indigenous people," said Auxiliary Bishop Felipe Pulido.
The procession featured Aztec dancers, traditional costumes, and floral offerings, all reminiscent of the original apparition. For many participants, like Jesus Garcia, the event holds deep personal significance.
"We have a lot of faith," Garcia said. "I had cancer for two years. I'm clean but I offered my faith to the Virgin de Guadalupe, that's our faith."
The event not only holds spiritual importance but also serves as a cultural celebration, showcasing the rich tapestry of traditions from San Diego and Imperial counties.
"Our lady really unifies cultures and I hope eventually it's not just an event for the whole Latin community but all of San Diego," Bishop Pulido said.
The procession culminated in a mass presided over by the Cardinal of the San Diego Diocese at Saint Augustine Catholic High School's gymnasium. The service invited Catholics to reconnect through prayer and reflect on their blessings.
The festivities will reach their peak on December 12, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with services planned at parishes across the region.