Every year, millions of pilgrims come from various parts of Mexico and elsewhere to pay tribute to the Virgin of Guadalupe, who, according to oral and religious tradition, made her appearance before the native Juan Diego on December 12, 1531.
An estimated 5 million people march to the Basilica and many stay to sing 'Las Mañanitas' (birthday song) at midnight, along with groups of local mariachis and singers.
On bicycles, trucks and on foot, these millions of local pilgrims arrive in the Mexican capital carrying figures that represent the Virgin, while a significant number of tourists do so from their respective countries. Such is the case of Gerard Batad, a French citizen, who along with 26 others have made this pilgrimage over the last 20 years.
The visit of Felipe Barajas, who carries a small portrait of the Virgin, is in gratitude for saving him from an accident in which his car overturned weeks ago.
More No Comment
Region in Siberia has longest cold spell for 14 years
COVID-friendly cuddle room boosts pensioners in southern Italy
Bulgarian villagers chase away evil with bonfire feast and dancing
COVID-19 tests in northern China administered by robot
Italy's tourism workers protest lack of support amid COVID impact
Skin conditions and no utilities as migrants suffer in Bosnia camp
Seven COVID-19 vaccination centres open their doors in England
Japan celebrates coming-of-age day despite recent COVID-19 surge
Villagers in India rescue truck after 70 foot gorge tumble
Parts of Japan see record snowfall as military brought in
Names of 111 women lost to femicide in 2020 pasted on Paris walls
Jerusalem's streets lie empty as Israel enters third COVID-19 lockdown
Spain clears swathes of snow that brought Madrid to a standstill
Dal lake freezes over in Kashmir due to cold snap
Thousands of Filippino faithful gather at church to see rare statue
Bosnia migrants 'moved into heated tents' amid more snowy weather
Bali battles mounting plastic waste as rainy season causes build-up
Russia's premier Ice Sculpting competition gets underway in Perm
Giant sinkhole swallows cars and trees at hospital in Naples
US election protests and the storming of Capitol Hill