This Tuesday is one of the most important days for Christians in Mexico. The day of adoration of Our Lady of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a Marian devotion that is at the center of Mexican culture and is one of the most claimed national and Christian symbols.

The mañanitas in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a ceremony that pays tribute to the Virgin, began during the night from Monday to Tuesday. But hours before this, thousands of faithful began to gather around the Basilica of Santa María de Guadalupe, located on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City.

They come to commemorate the anniversary of the appearance of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, who was ordered to work on the construction of a temple on the hill. As a proof of faith, Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, received the tilma of the Virgin of Guadalupe with the image of Mary printed with the winter flowers.

According to the data offered by the mayor of Mexico City, it is expected that 2023 will close with a total of eleven million pilgrims having passed through Tepeyac to pay tribute to the Queen of Mexico and Empress of America. This week in December is the one in which the highest traffic levels are reached during the year, according to the same sources.

To serve this high number of faithful, who travel from different parts of Mexico to go to the basilica, the authorities of Mexico City deployed a special security, emergency and prevention plan.

At least two dead and 12 injured

The large influx of pilgrims marching towards Tepeyac did not go without problems. Mexico City authorities reported a highway accident in which at least two pilgrims lost their lives and at least 12 other people were injured.

According to the Secretariat of Citizen Security, a truck ran over a group of people who were traveling on the highway that connects Mexico City with the state of Puebla. According to the same sources, the driver of the vehicle was in an "apparent state of intoxication" and was arrested by law enforcement.