Mexico City: More than 12.8 million Catholic faithful gathered at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe during the annual feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, making it one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the world. Local authorities said that between December 11 and 12 alone, around 18 million visits were recorded at the shrine.
Tepeyac Hill once again became the spiritual heart of Mexico as millions of pilgrims arrived from across the country and abroad. The faithful converged on the northern edge of Mexico City to mark the anniversary of the Marian apparition that has shaped the religious identity of the nation for centuries.
Church authorities confirmed that this year’s turnout surpassed the number recorded in 2024, setting a new attendance record. Last year, about 15 million devotees participated in the feast related pilgrimages.
Given the massive crowds, authorities put in place extensive arrangements around the pilgrimage site. Thousands of security personnel were deployed to maintain public order, while medical teams and emergency services remained on standby throughout the celebrations to assist pilgrims.
The shrine of Guadalupe holds deep historical and spiritual importance for Catholics worldwide. Its global prominence dates back to 1531, when the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to a humble Mexican farmer, Juan Diego. According to tradition, when Juan Diego opened his cloak before the bishop to present flowers given by the Virgin as proof of the vision, an image of the Virgin miraculously appeared on the fabric, exactly as she had shown herself to him.
This image later became known as Our Lady of Guadalupe. Over the centuries, scientists and scholars have pointed to several remarkable and unexplained features associated with the image, further strengthening devotion to it.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is venerated with titles such as Queen of Mexico, Queen of Latin America, and Protector of the Unborn. Each year, millions of pilgrims travel long distances, many on foot or on their knees, to offer prayers of faith, gratitude, and hope at this revered pilgrimage destination.