Peregrinaciones Basílica de Guadalupe

This religious event has become a tradition for Mexicans. Basílica de Guadalupe is the largest church in Mexico and the most famous of all America. Pilgrimages are characterized in those dates, where people from across the country arrive at the Cerro del Tepeyac to honor "La Morenita". The celebration begins with Las Mañanitas, masses, songs, and more.

This happens every year, and all year round. Pilgrimages to the Basilica of Guadalupe run continuously throughout the year, parish by parish and state by state, and build to the feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe on 12 December, when several million people converge on the Tepeyac over two days.

What the 12 December vigil involves. Groups arrive on foot, by bicycle and by coach from across the country through 11 December; Las Mañanitas are sung to the Virgin at midnight, and masses run continuously through the following day. Dance groups perform in the atrium, and the surrounding streets become a single encampment.

What to expect if you go. It is the largest Catholic pilgrimage in the Americas. On those two days the whole northern side of the city is affected: Metro stations are saturated, streets closed, and movement around the complex is slow. The rest of the year the Basilica is simply busy, and a weekday morning is calm.

Getting there. Metro La Villa-Basílica, line 6, and Deportivo 18 de Marzo, lines 3 and 6. Entry is free. This is an act of faith for the people around you: dress and behave accordingly.