For the last 30 years, hundreds have gathered at Plaza México in Lynwood, and as midnight strikes on December 12, “Las Mañanitas” begins to play for the Virgen de Guadalupe.
But this year, the annual celebration met a community on edge as immigration enforcement is actively conducting raids throughout the city.
Still, the two-day celebration moved forward as scheduled, with organizers insisting that the tradition remains not only a religious ritual but a cultural anchor for the community.
The evening began at 5 p.m. with musical performances from groups including El Flamante Acapulco Tropical and Los Cadetes de Emilio Garza, drawing early crowds into the plaza. As the night progressed, performers staged a theatrical reenactment of the apparitions of the Virgin of Guadalupe and the creation of a symbolic altar, the centerpiece of the celebration.
Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe commemorates the 1531 apparitions of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill, where her image is believed to have appeared on his cloak. The holiday is celebrated annually across Mexico and in Mexican communities throughout the U.S., often drawing families to churches, plazas, and early-morning Masses.
Agustín Castillo, operations manager at Plaza México, shared the importance of keeping the tradition alive.
“Our mission is to express to people our culture and the celebration of the Virgin Mary, which is a tradition more Mexican than any other. Here at Plaza México, we celebrate it as if we were in our home state. Being here is like being at home,” Castillo said.
He also highlighted how the festival brings the community together across generations. “We try to bring that here so people don’t forget their roots. As you can see, everyone comes with their families, children from as young as one-year-old to 15 or 16, still coming to celebrate the Virgin. They want to pass this tradition on to their children,” he added.
Shortly before midnight, a mass began at the plaza, accompanied by the sounds of Mariachi Azteca. As the service concluded, attention turned to the long-awaited serenade: Banda La Misma Esencia huddled around the altar to perform Las Mañanitas, the traditional song sang for the Virgen de Guadalupe.
Several attendees said the celebration felt especially meaningful this year, not only as a religious gathering but as a reminder of unity during uncertain times.
“This event is important because a lot of young fellows don’t really know about the importance of the Virgin Mary,” said attendee Miguel Perez.
“People get to know why she’s here, why we celebrate her and why we worship her as Catholics. Even though ICE and all this is happening, it’s best to be together as a community and have each other’s backs in the hard times we’re living in right now,” Perez added.
For others, the devotion is deeply personal. “La Virgen de Guadalupe plays such a huge role in my life,” said Maria Fernanda Ramirez. “She motivates me, she keeps me going, and I carry her everywhere. It feels so beautiful just knowing that we’re still out here, everybody staying together as a community, being together as a familia.”
The celebration continued well into the early hours, with music and cheer filling the streets until nearly 2 a.m.
The festivities continue Friday morning with a procession around Plaza México. A statue of the Virgin will be carried on a truck while a live banda accompanies the 30-minute route. Traditional dancers and local performers will take part, and pan dulce and coffee will be distributed to attendees.