Today is Guadalupe Day, anniversary of the date in 1532 when the Virgin Mary appeared to a native recent convert and asked that a chapel in her honor be built where the temple of the Aztec Goddess of Life stood. To convince the Spanish bishop, the Virgin caused her olive-skinned image to be imprinted on the convert’s cloak. The cloak can be seen in the basilica in Mexico City where millions began to congregate last night. Today also marks what some call the Christmas season, although decorations appeared weeks ago. But to many, Lupe-Reyes is the real season. Lupe refers to Guadalupe, Reyes to the Epiphany (Jan. 6), arrival of the Three Kings (aso known as the Three Wise Men) at the birthplace of Jesus some two millennium ago.
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Jimm Budd
Reporting From Mexico City
Member of the Society of American Travel Writers
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