Every December, millions of people around the world pause to honor a symbol of hope, faith, and cultural identity: Our Lady of Guadalupe. For many in Mexico and the United States, this day is not just a religious observance. It is a vibrant celebration of heritage and a reminder of a miraculous event that took place centuries ago.
Whether you are planning a pilgrimage to the basilica in Mexico City, organizing a local celebration, or simply want to understand the significance of this holiday, getting the details right matters. Understanding the history and traditions helps us appreciate why this day remains so powerful for so many families.
In 2025, the celebrations promise to be as spirited and meaningful as ever. Here is everything you need to know about Our Lady of Guadalupe Day 2025, from the key dates to the deep-rooted customs that define the festivities.
When Is Our Lady of Guadalupe Day 2025?
Our Lady of Guadalupe Day is celebrated annually on December 12. In 2025, this holiday falls on a Friday.
While the main feast day is December 12, the festivities actually begin the night before. On the eve of the feast (December 11), thousands of pilgrims gather at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City for “Las Mañanitas,” a traditional serenade to the Virgin Mary. This vigil marks the start of a 24-hour period of prayer, music, and dance.
Is Our Lady of Guadalupe Day a Public Holiday?
In Mexico, December 12 is widely observed as a religious and cultural holiday. While it is not a statutory federal holiday (meaning banks and government offices might remain open), many businesses grant employees the day off or operate with reduced hours so families can attend mass and celebrations.
In the United States, it is not a federal public holiday, but it is a significant day for Catholic communities, particularly those of Mexican heritage. Many parishes hold special masses, processions, and events to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe.
The History of Our Lady of Guadalupe
To understand the celebration, we must look back to December 1531. The story centers on Juan Diego, an indigenous man who was walking near Tepeyac Hill, on the outskirts of modern-day Mexico City.
According to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego. She spoke to him in Nahuatl, his native language, and asked him to build a church on that site in her honor. Juan Diego took this message to the local bishop, who was skeptical and asked for a sign to prove the vision was real.
On December 12, Juan Diego returned to the hill. The Virgin Mary instructed him to gather Castilian roses—flowers that were not native to Mexico and certainly not in bloom during the cold winter. Juan Diego gathered the roses in his tilma (a cloak made of cactus fiber) and took them to the bishop.
When Juan Diego opened his cloak to show the roses, they fell to the floor, revealing a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary imprinted on the fabric. This image, which is still displayed today in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, became a powerful symbol of faith and unity.
Why Is She Called the Patroness of the Americas?
Our Lady of Guadalupe is often referred to as the “Patroness of the Americas.” Her appearance was significant because she presented herself as a mestiza—a woman of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry. This resonated deeply with the indigenous people of Mexico, bridging two cultures and two faiths during a tumultuous time in history. Today, she represents protection, compassion, and motherhood for millions across the continent.
How Is Our Lady of Guadalupe Day Celebrated?
Celebrations vary from region to region, but they all share a common spirit of joy and devotion. If you are looking to participate in or observe Our Lady of Guadalupe Day 2025, here are some traditions you can expect to see.
Pilgrimages and Processions
The most famous celebration takes place at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. It is one of the most visited Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Millions of pilgrims, or peregrinos, travel from all over Mexico—often on foot or on their knees—to pay homage to the Virgin.
In cities across the US, processions are also common. Faithful community members walk through the streets carrying statues or images of Our Lady, often accompanied by floats decorated with paper flowers.
Las Mañanitas
Music is central to the celebration. “Las Mañanitas” is a traditional Mexican birthday song sung to the Virgin Mary early in the morning on December 12, often just before or after a dawn mass. Mariachi bands are a staple of these serenades, filling churches and plazas with vibrant music.
Traditional Dance: The Matachines
One of the most visually striking elements of the holiday is the dance of the Matachines. Dancers wear elaborate costumes featuring headdresses made of feathers and beads, and their clothing often includes bells that jingle rhythmically as they move. The dance is a form of prayer, blending indigenous and European traditions to honor the Virgin.
Home Altars
Many families set up a special altar in their homes for the feast day. These altars usually feature:
- An image or statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe
- Fresh flowers, particularly roses
- Candles to signify faith and prayer
- Offerings of food or drink
It is a time for families to pray the Rosary together and share a meal, strengthening their bonds with one another and their faith.
Traditional Foods
Food is an essential part of the festivities. After mass or processions, communities gather to enjoy traditional Mexican dishes. Common foods served on this day include:
- Tamales: Steamed corn dough filled with meats, cheeses, or chilies.
- Pozole: A hearty hominy soup made with pork or chicken.
- Champurrado: A warm, chocolate-based atole (corn drink) perfect for cold December mornings.
- Bunuelos: Crispy fried dough sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.
Celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe Day 2025 in the USA
You don’t have to be in Mexico to experience the beauty of this holiday. Many cities in the United States host large celebrations that rival those south of the border.
Los Angeles, California
East Los Angeles holds one of the oldest and largest processions in the country. The “Procession and Mass in Honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe” typically features floats, Aztec dancers, and a beautiful mass at the East Los Angeles College Stadium or the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio’s historic Market Square and San Fernando Cathedral are focal points for festivities. The city’s deep cultural roots make the serenades and masses particularly moving.
Chicago, Illinois
The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, Illinois, attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every December. It is the most visited shrine dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe in the United States. Even in the freezing Chicago winter, the devotion of the pilgrims remains warm and spirited.
Why This Day Matters for Remittances and Families
For many families living abroad, Our Lady of Guadalupe Day is a time of connection. It is a reminder of home, of mothers and grandmothers who passed down traditions, and of the shared faith that spans borders.
It is common for people working in the US or Canada to send money home around this time. These remittances help family members back in Mexico buy ingredients for the feast, purchase flowers for the altar, or travel to the Basilica.
Supporting loved ones during important cultural holidays is a way to be present, even when miles apart. Sending funds securely ensures that the celebrations can continue without financial stress, allowing families to focus on what matters most: gratitude and togetherness.
Planning Ahead for December 12, 2025
If you plan to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe Day 2025, here is a quick checklist to help you prepare:
- Check local mass times: Parishes often have special schedules for December 12. Look for “Las Mañanitas” masses early in the morning.
- Buy flowers early: Roses are the traditional offering. Florists are often busy in early December, so order your arrangements in advance.
- Send support home: If you have family in Mexico or Latin America, consider sending your remittance a few days early so they have funds in time for the feast preparations.
- Learn the songs: Familiarize yourself with “La Guadalupana” and “Las Mañanitas” so you can join in the singing.
A Celebration of Faith and Identity
Our Lady of Guadalupe Day 2025 is more than a date on the calendar. It is a vibrant expression of love and resilience. From the quiet prayers in a home altar to the thunderous drums of the Matachines dancers, every gesture is a testament to a story that began on a hill in 1531 and continues to live in the hearts of millions.
Whether you are lighting a candle at your local parish or sending support to family far away, participating in this day connects you to a global community of faith.