Have you ever heard about la Reliquia? I have never heard it before my husband´s dad explained to me and invited me to join one of these celebrations. So, let´s start from the beginnig 🙂
La Reliquia – these events are unique to Laguna (Torreón, Mexico) and you may not find those celebrations somewhere else than over there. During the 12th December celebration and the feast of Virgin of Guadalupe takes place. And why Lady of Guadalupe and what is the story behind?
It is believed that a man named Juan Diego encountered the Virgin Mary twice in Mexico City, on December 9 and December 12 in 1531. According to legend, Mary told Juan to ask the bishop to build a church on Tepeyac Hill. However, the bishop needed proof of Juan’s encounter and asked for a miracle. Juan returned to the hill to see roses in a spot where there were previously cacti. When Juan Diego returned, he showed the roses to the archbishop and also revealed an image on his cloak of the Lady of Guadalupe. The bishop was convinced of the miracle and built a church in honor of the event.
And there is still something more interesting: According to the story of the Lady of Guadalupe, Mary spoke in the Nahuatl language when she appeared to Diego. It is said that millions of indigenous people in Mexico were converted to Catholicism as a result of her appearance and miracle.
I had the opportunity join one of these celebrations and honestly, I was very impressed. When we arrived, people were cooking meat in huge pots on fire and 7 types of soups were prepared. Then, people were praying to the Virgin Guadalupe, old and young people… very passionately. I could not understand much, to be honest. I do not have this kind of Spanish vocabulary unfortunately. However, I was listening and observing. When prayers finished, everyone gathered together, chat and eat. Eat this delicious food prepared on the street and those 7 types of soups. And to digest better… tequila was offered 🙂 We got as well enough food for the rest of our family, apparently it is a tradition! Then… we left. I was really impressed… Have a look in pictures below which are related to food and this celebration. I am sharing as well link to the other post about reliquia so if you are interested in, you may check it.
Have a good night my friends! I wish to all of you Happy New Year and all the best in upcoming year, with many wishes which will become true, health, happiness and positive thinking! ❤
Your Vero and the whole Canito family
