Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Combining traditional Aztec and Christian motifs, young warriors dance in the streets commemorating the miraculous apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to the Indian peasant Juan Diego on December 12, 1531. The festivities run from December 1-12 every year in Puerto Vallarta.

Festivities and processions during the first twelve days of December involve tens of thousands of Puerto Vallarta inhabitants and visitors, who pay homage to commemorate the appearance of the Virgin Mary to the peasant Juan Diego on December 12, 1531.

According to tradition, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was imprinted on the cloak of Juan Diego, and to this day it is on display in Mexico City at the Basilica of Guadalupe which was constructed at the site of the miraculous appearance.

Hundreds of local PV businesses, unions, neighborhoods, and organizations and their employees parade from their place of employment through the streets of Puerto Vallarta during the Celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe and end up at the local Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, which was built starting in 1903.

The candlelight processions generally start from in front of the Woolworth's store and go the 11 blocks down Juarez street to the Guadalupe church and include plenty of banners, music, singing and colorfully decorated floats which usually portray the Virgin Mary and Juan Diego. Indigenous pagan and Christian rituals are mixed together.

Along the way on the side-streets and in the main Puerto Vallarta downtown plaza/zocalo are many vendors selling food, sweets, handicrafts and other trinkets and souvenirs. The feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe is one of Puerto Vallarta's most beloved and popular celebrations drawing crowds of many thousands each year.