Mexico is a country held together by a common strength of faith, much of which revolves around Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, often called the Dark Virgin, is not only the Patron Saint of the Mexican Republic but also Mexico's most beloved religious and cultural image. Mexican Catholics believe she is a manifestation of the Virgin Mary in the Americas. During the Wars of Independence she was the Patroness of the Mexican armies. Almost every Mexican town has a church dedicated to her.

Her first appearance was in 1531, when Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, a converted Christian, was walking through sacred Aztec ground. Juan was stopped on the hill of Tepeyac by a white light, music and a vision of a dark-skinned woman who identified herself as the Virgin Mary. She asked Juan to tell the Bishop that a church should be built on the spot where she appeared. Skeptical of Juan's request, the Bishop asked for proof.

On December 12th, the Virgin appeared again to Juan, instructing him to pick roses from the hillside and then return to the Bishop. Upon reaching him, Juan dropped the flowers out of his cloak, which revealed the imprint of the Virgin's face. This shroud is now housed in a basilica on the spot where the Virgin requested a church to be built.

La Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is Mexico's biggest religious holiday. It is a happy day for all Mexicans, full of food and drink to enjoy.