SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An annual Catholic holiday is celebrated by millions of people around the world to commemorate the appearance of the Virgin Mary to the indigenous Juan Diego in 1531. Sacramento festivities began over the weekend, but people celebrate El dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe every Dec. 12.
Many celebrated through the weekend to the actual day with music, dance and chants to pay tribute to La Virgen de Guadalupe.
For many, the event has become part of their own tradition and a way to connect.
“The enthusiasm of the Mexican culture brings out your Mexicanhood. Your feeling of spirituality. You feel covered, protected by the Virgen in a foreign land for many Mexicans,” said Alberto Solorio, a Sacramento resident.
The tradition dates back to the 1500s and celebrates the “feast day of our Lady of Guadalupe who appeared to Saint Juan Diego,” according to Antonio Hernandez, a volunteer with Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
Juan Diego, after seeing the Lady of Guadalupe, was given a message of hope to build a church that would become La Basilica de Guadalupe located in Mexico City.
Millions around the world use Dec. 12 to honor and pray to the symbol of hope.
"I've heard countless stories of people coming from all over Central America, even from South America in pilgrimages,” said Hernandez. “It just goes to show the humility that we all have that we can all humble ourselves."
People were able to celebrate in Sacramento and reflect on how the day unifies Latin cultures.
“The symbol is the Mexican culture but it's also the mother, the motherhood, also points out the color of the skin. It represents the Mexicanhood, being Morena, dark and skin. It represents the Mexican culture, and we celebrate that as well," said Solorio.
Many families have made it a tradition to bring offerings and showcase their talents on this day from young to old.
"Every song actually has its own meaning and significance. Every step that the dancers are dancing, it's a sign of gratitude and prayer for the entire universe,” said Melissa Moreno, a Davis resident.
Many say the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe helps offer people hope during hard times.
“For all the brothers who are migrants, for all of those who have lost their jobs, for those who are sick in a hospital, for all of those who don't have a home and are on the streets, you are not alone,” said Reverend Juan Francisco Bracamontes, Parochial Administrator of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, in Spanish. “Our sacred mother is always with us.”
People have been selling food and other items during the days-long celebrations to raise money for the church and their efforts.
