The Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe

December 12th is a special day for Catholics all over the world, but more especially for those of Mexican heritage. Our Lady of Guadalupe is also known as the Patron Saint of Mexico (Patrona de Mexico). She is seen as a symbol of inclusive love and beloved by Latinos in the U.S., as they view her as their protector.

On Marco Island, the Fiesta de la Santísima Virgen de Guadalupe (Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe) has been celebrated since 2011 with a procession starting from Kretch’s Restaurant parking lot to San Marco Catholic Church. And that tradition has stayed strong over the years.

On December 10, 2023, Father Rev. Franckel Fils-Aime of St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church in Naples joined Father Tim Navin of San Marco Catholic Church. Most are parishioners from St. Peter the Apostles and St. Finbarr of Naples. They were also joined by local families from Marco who joined the procession, complete with Aztec dancers, prayers and beating of drums. Leading the procession was the statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Though you are a practicing catholic, you may not be familiar with the significance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Spanish-speaking culture of the Americas. If you grew up in Mexico you will be celebrating the apparition of the Virgin Mary to an Indigenous laborer, Juan Diego, on December 12th.

Worldwide, thousands celebrate the Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe and if you were in Mexico City, you would pay homage to her altar at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. You would bring flowers, mostly roses, in abundance to decorate her altar, light candles and demonstrate your love and loyalty to the one you call “Mother to All.”  

According to Catholic teachings, at that time there was a conflict between the Indigenous peoples of Mexico and the Spaniards. The modern-day celebration is part religion, faith, culture and tradition. St. Juan Diego was canonized in 2002 and was the first Indigenous person to become a saint in the Americas.

The attire worn by celebrants are deeply rooted in their Aztec culture. The dances were very colorful and the costumes and headdresses were adorned with feathers reminiscent of Aztec rituals. Their ancestors used to celebrate and make offerings to “false gods,” but are now offered to the one true God as a symbol of their conversion to the Catholic religion. 

For many participants, finding themselves in a strange land with a strange language and culture, celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a way to preserve a rich culture and keep it alive for the next generation. It was heartwarming to see intergenerational families attend this celebration showing the strength of their devotion and proudly wearing symbols of their Mexican culture.

This event supports the year’s theme of Arte Viva!, a year-long celebration of Mexican culture.

Hasta el año que viene, mantente bien! (Until next year, stay well.)