12 de Diciembre
Cañón del Sumidero, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Tapachula, Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Every December 12, Chiapas joins the national celebration in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe—one of the most profound and significant expressions of faith for the Mexican people. This festivity, a symbol of identity and devotion, gathers thousands of faithful who express their love and gratitude to the “Mother of All Mexicans” through pilgrimages, prayers, masses, and cultural events across the state.
The origin of this celebration dates back to 1531, when, according to tradition, the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to the Indigenous man Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill. Since then, her image has become a spiritual and cultural emblem uniting millions across Mexico and beyond.
In Chiapas, the Guadalupan celebration is lived with special fervor. Hundreds of churches and parishes—especially those dedicated to the Virgin—hold novenas, processions, fairs, and community events that strengthen faith and belonging. Notable among them are the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the Diocesan Sanctuary “La Villita de Guadalupe” in Tapachula, and the Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Cristóbal de las Casas, where thousands of pilgrims gather to pay homage.
One of the most emblematic traditions is that of the antorchistas guadalupanos (torch runners), who travel roads and paths from the beginning of December carrying the flame from their communities to the temples dedicated to the Virgin in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, San Cristóbal de las Casas, and even to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. This tradition has pre-Hispanic roots; chroniclers describe the great devotion to the figure they called Tonantzin, noting how people came from distant lands with offerings and gifts—just as they once did for the ancient goddess of the same name. Since then, every December 12, the Basilica fills with pilgrims from across Mexico.
Another notable tradition is the Lancheros del Cañón del Sumidero pilgrimage, held for over 29 years. The celebration begins with a mass at the Chiapa de Corzo dock, followed by the traditional mañanitas and a river procession through the majestic Grijalva River to the Cave of Colors, where an image of the Virgin is kept year-round.
Across every corner of the state and the country, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe has become an essential part of Mexico’s identity and festive cycle. Come and experience it in Chiapas.
The origin of this celebration dates back to 1531, when, according to tradition, the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to the Indigenous man Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill. Since then, her image has become a spiritual and cultural emblem uniting millions across Mexico and beyond.
In Chiapas, the Guadalupan celebration is lived with special fervor. Hundreds of churches and parishes—especially those dedicated to the Virgin—hold novenas, processions, fairs, and community events that strengthen faith and belonging. Notable among them are the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the Diocesan Sanctuary “La Villita de Guadalupe” in Tapachula, and the Temple of Our Lady of Guadalupe in San Cristóbal de las Casas, where thousands of pilgrims gather to pay homage.
One of the most emblematic traditions is that of the antorchistas guadalupanos (torch runners), who travel roads and paths from the beginning of December carrying the flame from their communities to the temples dedicated to the Virgin in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, San Cristóbal de las Casas, and even to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City. This tradition has pre-Hispanic roots; chroniclers describe the great devotion to the figure they called Tonantzin, noting how people came from distant lands with offerings and gifts—just as they once did for the ancient goddess of the same name. Since then, every December 12, the Basilica fills with pilgrims from across Mexico.
Another notable tradition is the Lancheros del Cañón del Sumidero pilgrimage, held for over 29 years. The celebration begins with a mass at the Chiapa de Corzo dock, followed by the traditional mañanitas and a river procession through the majestic Grijalva River to the Cave of Colors, where an image of the Virgin is kept year-round.
Across every corner of the state and the country, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe has become an essential part of Mexico’s identity and festive cycle. Come and experience it in Chiapas.