The statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe that is in San Juan Cosalá turned 90 years old this December 12. Photo: Héctor Ruiz

Héctor Ruiz Mejía: Three thousand worshipers gathered around the statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the procession held in San Juan Cosalá, in the municipality of Jocotepec. Fatigue did not set in for the faithful in the procession for the annual celebration of the Virgin, accompanied on foot, with the float that carried the statue in its journey through the lakeside delegation.

Many walk the procession barefoot and blindfolded in a ritual of the faithful. Photo: Héctor Ruiz

Many of the faithful even made the procession barefoot and blindfolded as a “manda” to ask favors to the iconic image, or as a sign of their unwavering affection. A “manda” is a promise or vow made by the faithful to ask for a miracle to help oneself or a loved one. In exchange for the miracle, the petitioner promises to fulfill the manda by making an offering or a sacrifice like those barefoot and blindfolded.

Mariachi Nuevo San Juan performing the mañanitas during the procession. Photo: Héctor Ruiz

«It is a tradition for people to make the procession barefoot and blindfolded for the manda, ever since the Virgin has been celebrated», explained the parish priest of the San Juan Bautista Church.

Thus, the 90th anniversary of the image of the Virgin of Tepeyac in San Juan Cosalá was commemorated to the music of ‘las mañanitas’ performed by the Mariachi Nuevo San Juan and the faithful who hoped, even for a brief moment, to get as close as possible to the statue. 

This is one of the most important festivities not only for the country, but especially for the population of San Juan Cosalá, in which the Virgin has great religious relevance; «she is the woman who gave birth to Christ, the Mother of Our Savior,» commented one of the faithful who has been attending the procession all his life and reaffirmed his identity as a follower of the Virgin of Guadalupe or ‘Guadalupano.’

One of the several altars set up around Porfirio Díaz Street, alluding to the “Morenita” or Brown Virgin. Photo: Héctor Ruiz.

For one follower, Xochitl, it also represented a moment of hope, «since the pandemic we are going through a difficult economic situation, with many debts and other troubles. That is why I come today barefoot to ask the Virgin to give us the miracle to overcome these troubles», she explained while she was being led by the hand since she was blindfolded, and who had her feet hurt and covered with dirt from walking without shoes.

The faithful wait, if only for a brief moment, to approach the Virgin and touch her as she is transported on the float. Photo: Héctor Ruiz

Another of the faithful followers was Anita, whose bent body gave away her advanced age and despite this, wrapped in her shawl and holding a rosary with both hands, remained walking at all times at the Virgin’s side.

«Every year we have come here to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe, and we will be here as long as God allows us,» Anita said.

Little ones dressed as Juan Diego, Mexico’s first indigenous saint, accompanied the Virgin in the arms of their parents. Photo: Héctor Ruiz

Woman observes, unmoving, as the Virgin passes by her house. Photo: Héctor Ruiz

A sample of the joy felt by some of the faithful during the procession. Photo: Héctor Ruiz

Thus, the procession that began on the main street Porfirio Diaz and crossed the highway to return to the temple of San Juan Bautista, culminated with a huge mass in the atrium of the iconic church, where the faith of the believers was manifested in praises, songs, and applause.

Around three thousand faithful attended the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe in San Juan Cosalá, in the municipality of Jocotepec. Photo: Héctor Ruiz

Translated by Kerry Watson