Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - The traditional pilgrimages in honor of the Our Lady of Guadalupe take place each year in Puerto Vallarta during the first 12 days of December. Faithful believers make their way through the city streets singing and dancing in praise of the virgin.

Many will wear traditional woven clothes to honor the indigenous heritage of Juan Diego, who was the acclaimed Catholic saint to whom the virgin first manifested on the hill of Tepeyac (near Mexico City) back in December 1531. The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in México City displays the original image of the virgin and it is the most visited Marian shrine in the world.

Here in Puerto Vallarta, the processions take place every evening and make their way down to the city's most iconic landmark, The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe (in front of Plaza de Las Armas). If you are planning on being part of this tradition make sure you come hungry for there will be many street vendors offering typical Mexican snacks. Among the list of favorites are tamales, churros, atole, esquites, enchiladas, tacos and more!

The largest procession is on December 12th at midnight, when participants end the festival with a special mass in devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe and by singing the traditional mañanitas (Mexican birthday song) to the Virgin inside the Cathedral.