Puerto Vallarta Police Department Increases Safety Efforts for Pilgrimages Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta
go to original December 10, 2012

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Puerto Vallarta (JCVdude)

The seasonal pilgrimages to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Downtown Puerto Vallarta take place during the first twelve days of December.

Traffic in the main city streets is paralyzed, no cars are allowed.

Because of the added congestion of foot traffic and street closings, the officials of Puerto Vallarta have stepped up foot patrols by the police, firefighters, lifeguards and road agents to insure the safety of those taking part in the pilgrimages.

The Police Department continues the work to provide security to the processions which flood the streets of the city center, in supplying strengthened surveillance on streets and colonies of the municipality, with the purpose of caring for the integrity of citizenship and its visitors.

Generally, processions will begin in the afternoon or evening at the corner of Juarez Street and 31st of October Street. However, some hotels and businesses prefer to start from their own locations. As they make their way down the streets, participants with sing praise in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Along the way on the side-streets and in the main Puerto Vallarta downtown plaza are many vendors selling food, sweets, handicrafts and other trinkets and souvenirs.
 
The Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe is one of Puerto Vallarta's most beloved and popular celebrations drawing crowds of many thousands each year.

The largest pilgrimage occurs on December 11th, with a special tribute to the disadvantaged and to lost children occurring around noon. Shortly before midnight, the faithful gather at the Church of Guadalupe to sing "las mañanitas," a traditional Latin American birthday song, to the Virgin.

Children wear outfits made of tradicional woven blanket material and the pilgrims continue arriving until 11:30 pm. The last Mass is held at 8:00 pm and is always accompanied with music and celebration.

Silvestre Chávez García of the Police Corporation has stressed the need to continue working to provide a quality service to the people who live and visit this beach destination, and that they will continue to monitor intensely to keep the city as a safe house of the Vallartenses.

Garcia added that it was very important for visitors and residents to be aware of threats, such as pickpockets and scammers, and to ensure that any valuables should be left at home or locked safely in their vehicles.

Any suspicious hehavior should be reported immediately by calling 066 or (322) 290-0502.

Translated and edited by Team Angels

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