Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Father Arturo Arana, a key figure in the religious community of Puerto Vallarta, has officially announced the completion of preparations for the highly anticipated Guadalupe Festival. This year's event is set to witness a significant increase in participation, with over 350 pilgrimages registered, marking a robust resurgence following the challenges posed by the pandemic last year.
The festival will commence with an impressive march by parish servants on November 30, setting the stage for the formal program which begins on December 1. This year's program has attracted heightened interest from various businesses and parish communities across the region, many of whom are joining the festival's activities after being reactivated post-pandemic.
A notable highlight of the festival is the journey of the Guadeloupan torchlighters, scheduled for December 8. Following the 6 am mass, a contingent of 60 runners will embark on an 84-hour route to Mexico City, aiming to return to Puerto Vallarta on December 12. Their arrival is expected at 7:30 pm at the doors of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This significant undertaking will be documented by CPS Noticias cameras, allowing a broader audience to partake in the experience.
The festival's spiritual fervor will continue with the traditional mañanitas to the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 11 at 11 pm. This event will feature guest artists from the region, adding a cultural richness to the religious observance. The following day, the largest pilgrimage of the festival, known as the pilgrimage of the favored, will commence at 11 am and is expected to last up to four hours.
In addition to the festival's celebrations, Father Arana shed light on the upcoming restoration project for the dome and tower of the parish, scheduled to begin in January of the following year. The restoration, necessitating an estimated 3 million pesos, is anticipated to be supported through donations from local businessmen under the formation of a board of trustees.
The Guadalupe Festival, deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Puerto Vallarta, continues to be a beacon of unity and faith for the community. This year's edition, enriched by increased participation and significant undertakings like the torchlighters' journey and the parish restoration project, promises to be a memorable event for both residents and visitors of Puerto Vallarta.
