A Multitude of Pilgrims

I will take a pause from reporting on the Nativity scenes at the Palace of Iturbide to observe that today is the Feast Day of Mexico's patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe.  The Basilica of Guadalupe is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, second only to St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.  On the days around December 12th, more than 3 million people visit the site where the Virgin is said to have appeared.  They come from all over Mexico and beyond. 

Yesterday, I was at Alejandro's family's house.  They live only a couple of blocks from one of the major avenues taken by pilgrims on their way to the Basilica.  Around 10 o'clock last night we walked over to the street and watched the steady stream of people arriving and departing on foot, by car, truck, bus, bicycle and motorcycle.  It was an amazing sight, but I would not want to be any closer to the Basilica and the crush of people.

Notice the little girl in the lower left corner who is handing out water.

Many neighborhood residents will give food and water to the passing pilgrims.

Many of the pilgrims carry statues of the Virgin or carry images of her on their backs.

There were many groups of cyclists traveling together.

Here is a group of "moto-taxi" drivers.

Many of the vehicles are decorated for the pilgrimage.

The atmosphere is better captured by these videos...

Shrines to the Virgin along the streets in the neighborhood were brightly decorated.

The downside to the celebration was the noise, and not just the firecrackers and the sirens.  A block from the house, at the end of the street, a large tent had been set up, and a dance party was being held.

The DJ was playing the music so loudly that the windows of the house were rattling.  I can't imagine how anyone could have been there without serious damage to their hearing.  I don't know how I managed to fall asleep.  I woke up briefly at 3:30 A.M. and the party was still going on.  I have no idea at what time it ended.