Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe – Dec. 12, 2026

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
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Every December 12
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Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated every December 12, commemorating the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin in 1531. This national holiday in Mexico sees millions of devotees participate in masses, feasts, and pilgrimages. Join the faithful in honoring this profound cultural and religious event.

Want to sponsor Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe? Learn how

Expected Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe Deals

On Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the focus shifts from commercial deals to spiritual and community observances. Many local Mexican businesses, such as bakeries and restaurants, may offer traditional foods like tamales and atole. Religious supply stores might see increased sales of candles, rosaries, and images of the Virgin. Families and communities often organize private feasts and gatherings, emphasizing shared meals and cultural heritage. We will update this page with any specific community events or special offerings as December approaches.

Platform Guide for Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #VirginOfGuadalupe. Share photos and videos of traditional altars, pilgrimages, and community celebrations.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DiaDeLaVirgen. Connect with local communities and share information about masses and cultural events.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #Guadalupe. Follow real-time updates on pilgrimages to the Basilica and share reflections on the holiday’s significance.

Social Media Tips for Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

Individuals

Participate in local church services, light a candle, or create a small home altar to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe. Share traditional Mexican dishes with family and friends.

Creators

Document your experience of the day, whether it's preparing traditional foods, visiting a local church, or sharing the history and cultural significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Brands

Local Mexican restaurants, bakeries, and cultural centers can host special menus, offer traditional treats, or organize community events that celebrate Mexican heritage and faith.

Partners & Brands for Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

  1. Catholic Church

    The largest Christian church, with over a billion members worldwide, the Catholic Church is central to the observance of the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. It provides spiritual guidance and organizes masses and ceremonies globally.

  2. Basilica of Guadalupe

    Located in Mexico City, the Basilica of Guadalupe is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. It houses the original tilma of Saint Juan Diego, bearing the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, and is the epicenter of celebrations on December 12.

  3. Mexican Cultural Institute

    Established to promote Mexican culture and arts abroad, the Mexican Cultural Institute often hosts events and exhibitions that highlight the rich traditions surrounding the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, including art, music, and history.

  4. Goya Foods

    Founded in 1936 in New York City, Goya Foods is the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the United States. It plays a significant role in providing traditional ingredients for Mexican feasts, often sponsoring cultural and religious community events.

  5. Jarritos

    First bottled in Mexico in 1950, Jarritos is a popular line of fruit-flavored soft drinks. As an iconic Mexican brand, it is a staple at many cultural celebrations and family gatherings, including those for the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

  6. Mission Foods

    Founded in 1977, Mission Foods is a leading producer of tortillas and other Mexican food products globally. Their products are essential for preparing traditional dishes enjoyed during the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe celebrations.

  7. World Relief

    Founded in 1944, World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that partners with local churches and communities to alleviate poverty and promote justice. They often work in regions where the Virgin of Guadalupe holds cultural significance, supporting vulnerable populations.

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe Hero

Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin

Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin was an indigenous Chichimec peasant and the first Catholic saint from the Americas. In December 1531, the Virgin Mary appeared to him on Tepeyac Hill, near Mexico City, instructing him to build a shrine. His tilma, miraculously imprinted with her image, became the iconic image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, inspiring millions of faithful.

History of Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is a story of miracles and faith that marks an important shift in the history of Mexico. The Spaniards, after they conquered Mexico, wanted to convert the indigenous Indians to Catholicism. But the Spaniards encountered many difficulties because the Mexican had their own faith and spirituality in which they strongly believed. However, indigenous people started to become fascinated with Catholicism when the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Juan Diego came to the fore. 

Juan Diego was a young indigenous Indian who was walking toward the Hill of Tepeyac on December 12, 1531, when he was stopped by an appearance of the Virgin Mary. According to Diego, the Virgin Mary was a young woman with black hair and dark skin who looked more like the women in his community. She ordered Diego to go to the Bishop and ask him to build a church at the Hill of Tepeyac. Diego then ran to the Bishop to tell him what the Virgin Mary had told him. The Bishop did not believe Diego at first and disregarded his request to build a church at the Hill of Tepeyac. 

The Virgin Mary appeared in front of Diego again and told him to collect flowers from the top of the hill. Since it was December, Diego knew that there would not be any flowers at the rocky hill. Upon reaching the top of the hill, he was surprised to see that it was covered in beautiful, colorful flowers! He remembered what he was asked to do and collected the flowers in his coat. With the flowers in hand, he went to see the Bishop again. Diego gave the coat full of flowers to the Bishop, and here the Bishop discovered the image of the Virgin Mary was miraculously traced on the coat. Seeing both the unseasonal flowers and the image of the Virgin, the Bishop realized Diego had told him the truth. The Bishop commanded that the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe be built on the hill of Tepeyac in Mexico City.

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe timeline

Circa 4 B.C.
The Birth of Jesus

Jesus is born in Bethlehem.

Circa 30 A.D.
The Death of Jesus

Jesus is crucified.

1099
The Fall of Jerusalem

Crusaders invade and conquer Jerusalem.

1870
The First Vatican Council

The Dogma of Papal infallibility is proclaimed.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

Local businesses, especially Mexican restaurants, bakeries, and religious goods stores, can honor the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe by offering traditional foods and products. Consider special menus featuring tamales, atole, and churros, or creating window displays with imagery of the Virgin. Businesses can also sponsor local community events or mass services, fostering a sense of cultural and spiritual connection.

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe FAQs

When is Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe?

In 2026, Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe falls on Saturday, December 12. This date allows for weekend pilgrimages and community celebrations across Mexico and beyond.

How many people celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe?

Millions of people, particularly in Mexico and among the Mexican diaspora worldwide, celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe. It is estimated that up to 20 million pilgrims visit the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City annually, with a significant portion arriving for the December 12 celebration.

What is the significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe?

The Virgin of Guadalupe holds immense significance as the patroness of Mexico and a powerful symbol of national identity and faith. Her apparition to Saint Juan Diego in 1531 is seen as a pivotal moment in Mexican history, bridging indigenous and Catholic cultures.

Is Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe a federal holiday?

Yes, Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is a national holiday in Mexico. While many businesses and government offices remain open, it is a day of widespread religious observance and cultural celebration, with special events organized across the country.

How To Celebrate Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

  1. Visit Mexico City

    Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated with much gusto in Mexico City and other towns in the country. Visit Mexico City to revel in the festivities.

  2. Celebrate with Mexican food

    If you can’t visit Mexico City, bring Mexico City to you. Enjoy a hearty Mexican meal on Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

  3. Attend a parade

    If you can find a festival or parade nearby, make sure to attend it. Music, costumes, dances, and feasts are the best way to celebrate.

5 Important Facts About Mexico

  1. Mexican children don’t get presents on Christmas

    Kids in Mexico receive their Christmas presents on January 6, not December 25.

  2. The oldest city in North America

    Mexico City was actually founded in 1521.

  3. Home of the world’s smallest volcano

    The Cuexcomate Volcano sits just outside the city of Puebla and is only 43 feet tall.

  4. Mexico is LGBTQ+ friendly

    Same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption are both legal for the inhabitants of Mexico.

  5. Mexico has 10-12% of the world’s biodiversity

    This makes it the 4th most biodiverse country in the world.

Why We Love Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

  1. It’s an important day in Mexican history

    Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is an important day in Mexican history. It is often remembered as an event when indigenous people started believing in Catholicism.

  2. Mexican culture is celebrated

    This is also a great day to celebrate Mexican culture. Learn more about their beliefs, food, and more.

  3. A day to have fun

    The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated with feasts and parades. This makes it a great day to get together and have fun.

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe dates

Year Date Day
2026 December 12 Saturday
2027 December 12 Sunday
2028 December 12 Tuesday
2029 December 12 Wednesday
2030 December 12 Thursday