In 2008 I was fortunate to witness three wonderful events celebrating Our Lady of Guadalupe. These celebrations took place in three different locations in New Mexico; Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Tortugas. On August 15, 2008 the Santuario de Guadalupe celebrated the arrival and unveiling of the 12-foot bronze statue that was made in Mexico City. The outdoor mass was celebrated by Archbishop Shehan in the parking lot to accommodate the crowd that turned out. The event was attended by the Santa Fe Fiesta Court, the Knights of Columbus, mariachi musicians, Aztec and Matachine dancers. On December 12, 2008 the Santuario was dedicated as the Shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

I spent December 10th-12th in Tortugas to observe the Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This was my fourth year in attendance. This colorful event has been taking place for over 150 years. It begins with a procession on December 10th where Our Lady is carried from La Capilla to La Casa del Pueblo. A velorio takes place all night long. Throughout the night the Danzantes dance for Our Lady. On December 11th the people climb the Tortugas mountain where mass is held at 11:00 AM. The next day on the 12th dancing takes place all around the church. Four groups partake in the celebration; the Chichimecas, the Danzantes, the Gudalupano Aztecas and Los Indios. Between each dance a rifle with blanks is shot off. It is believed that this keeps away the evil spirits. At 4:00 in the afternoon a procession takes place with Our Lady and all four dance groups.

This year the South Broadway neighborhood in Albuquerque celebrated the 84th anniversary of honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 14th. Children dressed as angels and Juan Diego were participants in the celebration. After a morning mass by Archbishop Shehan a procession took place around the neighborhood with the Knights of Columbus, mariachi musicians, Aztec and matachine dancing. The neighborhood makes altars for Our Lady of Guadalupe in their front yards. These altars are blessed.

New Mexico is fortunate in the respect that there are so many opportunities to honor and celebrate Our Lady of Guadulupe!