More than 10 million pilgrims returned to Mexico City on December 12 to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe, the Patron saint and the symbol of Latin American Catholicism.

A total of 10.6 million pilgrims this year, on the occasion of the 488th anniversary of the feast of the patron saint, Mexican mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said on Twitter.

Catholic legend has it that the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mary, walked from her village to Mexico City, Mexico on 12 December 1531. Here, an indigenous farmer, Juan Diego, sees on the hillside of Tepeyac a girl about 15 or 16 years old, surrounded by a halo of light, signals the church about a New World.

Therefore, on this day every year, pilgrims from all over Mexico and the world flock to the huge basilica in the city, erect colorful huts and line up in honor of the Saint.

"A lot of people don't have the opportunity to attend the ceremony before the Blessed Virgin. They may be bedridden or sick. We are grateful for the opportunity to come here to do this with so much faith and love. for the Virgin, "said Elie Rocio de Veana, 34, pilgrimage with her husband and 8-year-old son.

Some pilgrims carry posters of the Virgin of Guadalupe, even her figurines.