Guadalupe Procession Honors Tradition

Our Lady of Guadalupe in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs marked the annual Guadalupe Procession on Saturday, December 13, as community members gathered for prayer, music, and a public walk led by Fr. Anthony “Tony” Stanonik of St. Richard’s Catholic Church. The route began at Christmas Circle, continued past the Borrego Art Institute and the Borrego Springs Post Office, and concluded at St. Richard’s Catholic Church.



The observance honors Our Lady of Guadalupe, the title given to the Virgin Mary following her 1531 apparition to Saint Juan Diego in Mexico. According to Catholic tradition, her image appeared on Juan Diego’s cloak, becoming a lasting symbol of faith, Mexican identity, and the Catholic Church. Her feast day, celebrated annually on December 12, is one of the most significant religious observances in the Americas and draws millions of pilgrims each year to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.


Throughout the procession, traditional music accompanied the walk, and several participants wore masks and attire reflecting Guadalupe symbolism. Families, longtime residents, and visitors took part, reflecting the multigenerational and inclusive nature of the tradition.


The gathering continued at St. Richard’s Catholic Church with Mass and an evening celebration. For many in Borrego Springs, the annual Guadalupe Procession remains a meaningful expression of faith during Advent and a visible reminder of the area’s enduring cultural and spiritual heritage.

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