According to popular traditions, on Tuesday, December 12, 1531, the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared for the fourth time to the indigenous man Juan Diego on the Tepeyac hill. The native of Cuautitlán set out early to seek help for his sick uncle, and next to the Pocito, the Patroness of Mexico appeared to him and told him that his uncle was already healthy. The Virgin asked him to climb to the summit of Tepeyac Hill to cut some roses, which did not bloom at that time or in that place. These flowers were to be taken to Bishop Zumárraga as proof of the miraculous encounters and that she wanted a temple to be built nearby.

The humble indigenous man followed the Virgin's instructions, and later that day, when he opened his ayate in the presence of the Bishop, several Castilian roses fell, revealing the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe.


Starting in 1667, Pope Clement IX established December 12 as the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and in 1824, the Congress of the Nation declared this day a National Festival.

The first Temple of the Virgin of Guadalupe on Tepeyac was completed in 1709, and the new Basilica, with a modern design by architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez, was finished in 1976. The uniqueness of the construction is that, with its circular design, the image can be seen from any point in the church.


Today, every year, all the temples and churches dedicated to her worship across the country are visited by millions of pilgrims and faithful. Especially, the Basilica of Guadalupe is the most visited sanctuary, as more than eight million pilgrims arrive at this sanctuary on this date.


The festivities begin on December 11 at 6:45 PM with a popular serenade to the Virgin of Guadalupe, followed by various tributes until midnight when the traditional Mañanitas are sung by famous artists. Throughout the night and until 8:00 PM on December 12, a series of Masses are held, among which the most important is dedicated to the Celebration and Blessing of the Roses, taking place at noon.