Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the titles given to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Catholics believe Our Lady of Guadalupe miraculously appeared and spoke to an indigenous man, Juan Diego, in Mexico City in 1531. Annually, an estimated 10 million people visit the Basilica in Mexico City, which was named in her honor, making it the most visited Catholic church in the world after Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Many miracles, cures, and interventions are attributed to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Local celebrations are cherished in particular by the Hispanic community and include the mañanitas, a traditional serenade sung in honor of Mary, often accompanied by mariachi music. Many parishes hold special Masses, processions, and reenactments of Mary’s appearance, also known as an apparition, which is a supernatural appearance without scientific explanation. During these events, believers often bring flowers to Mary’s image and place their prayer requests before her. The festivities blend elements of faith and culture, expressing a deep, enduring love for the Mother of God.

Visitors are welcome to attend these special events to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe and reflect on her profound impact on the Church and the world. Please note, some events are held outside so dress accordingly. Also, please arrive early due to limited parking and seating at some locations.

Local Celebrations Include:

Wednesday, December 11th and Thursday, December 12th

• Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Pinellas Park
  • December 11th, 5:20 p.m. Procession, 6 p.m. bilingual Mass followed by food, fellowship, and music. 
• St. Clement Catholic Church, Plant City:
  • December 11th, 6:30 p.m. Bilingual Mass.
  • December 12th, 6:30 p.m. Spanish Mass.
• St. Cecelia Catholic Church, Clearwater:
  • December 11th, 9 p.m. – midnight Serenades to Our Lady of Guadalupe.
  • December 12th, Midnight Mass followed by breakfast, 6:30 p.m., Rosary and Procession around the church, 7 p.m. Mass. 
• St. Rita Catholic Church, Dade City:
  • December 11th, 6 p.m. Rosary, 7 p.m. Mass, 8 p.m. food and fellowship.
  • December 12th, 5 a.m. Rosary, 5:30 a.m. Las Mañanitas (Mariachis), 6 a.m. Mass followed by breakfast, 5 p.m., Procession from Watson Park to St. Rita Parish, 6 p.m. outdoor Mass, 7 p.m. Festival, food, and reenactments. 

Thursday, December 12th only

• Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Tampa: 4:30 a.m. Rosary, 5 a.m. Mañanitas /Mariachis, 6 a.m. Mass followed by food and fellowship, 7 p.m. Mass and procession.
• Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Tampa: 5:30 a.m. Las Mañanitas followed by breakfast; 9 a.m. Mass (English) followed by Adoration with the Sacrament of Reconciliation until 10:30 a.m.; 7 p.m. Mass (Spanish) followed by food and fellowship.
• Holy Cross Catholic Church, St. Petersburg: 7 p.m. Mass, followed by delicious tamales, Mexican sweet bread, and atole (a traditional holiday drink). 
• Incarnation Catholic Church, Tampa: 5 a.m., Mañanitas and Mass. 
• Most Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, St. Petersburg: 6 p.m. Rosary, 6:30 p.m. children’s procession, 7 p.m. Mass followed by Mariachi and refreshments.
• Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Tampa: 7 p.m. Procession and bilingual Mass, followed by food and dancing. 
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, Wimauma: 4:30 a.m., Folk Dances, 5 a.m. Las Mañanitas, 5:30 a.m. Rosary (Spanish), 9 a.m. Mass (English), 5:30 p.m. Folk Dances, 6:45 p.m. Procession, 7 p.m. Mass (Spanish), 8 p.m. Folk Dances.
• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Tampa: 7 a.m. Rosary, 7:30 a.m. Las Mañanitas (Mariachis), 7 p.m. Mass in Spanish followed by food and fellowship. 
• Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, Land O’ Lakes: 6 p.m. Bilingual Rosary, 6:30 p.m. Bilingual Reenactment, 7 p.m. Bilingual Mass, 8 p.m., Serenade by Mariachi, 8:15 p.m. Reception.
• Santa Maria Mission, Tampa: 7 p.m. Mass (including 27 young people receiving First Communion), followed by food, music, and dancing. 
• St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Seffner: 5 a.m. Las Mañanitas (Mariachis) followed by refreshments, 6:30 p.m., Mass, followed by live performances of the apparition reenactment, food, and fellowship. 
• St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Tarpon Springs: 6 p.m. bilingual Mass, followed by a pageant of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe, procession, food, fellowship, and music.