When and Where “La Guadalupana” Is Sung
On the eve of December 12, Mexico prepares for one of its most significant religious celebrations, when millions honor Our Lady of Guadalupe with processions, Mañanitas, and the beloved hymn “La Guadalupana.” As night falls, families decorate home altars with roses, candles, and images of the Virgin. In parishes and plazas, mariachis assemble, choirs rehearse, and communities gather in anticipation of the moment when the first notes of the serenade rise into the night sky.
The Vigil: A Night of Devotion
This evening vigil has roots in colonial-era expressions of Marian piety, when believers would spend the night in prayer before a major feast day. Over time, the tradition evolved into a heartfelt cultural celebration. Today, the vigil blends Catholic devotion with Mexican identity: some remain awake through the night in prayer, while others participate in dances, folkloric presentations, and communal meals offered in honor of the Virgin.
The Mañanitas Tradition
As midnight approaches, a hush falls over crowds gathered inside churches and outside the Basilica of Guadalupe. At the stroke of twelve, the country welcomes December 12 with “Las Mañanitas” a birthday serenade traditionally sung to loved ones, but now offered to the Morenita del Tepeyac. Immediately afterward, “La Guadalupana” resounds, weaving together voices, guitars, trumpets, and heartfelt devotion. For many Mexicans, this moment marks the emotional beginning of the holiday season.
| Desde el cielo una hermosa mañana (2) La Guadalupana (2) La Guadalupana bajó al Tepeyac. La Guadalupana (2) La Guadalupana bajó al Tepeyac. Su llegada llenó de alegría (2) Desde el cielo una hermosa mañana…
Por el monte pasaba Juan Diego (2) Desde el cielo una hermosa mañana…
Juan Dieguito la Virgen la dijo (2)
Desde el cielo una hermosa mañana…
Suplicante juntaba las manos (2x)
Desde el cielo una hermosa mañana… En la tilma entre rosas pintadas (2x)
Desde el cielo una hermosa mañana… Desde entonces para el mexicano (2x) Desde el cielo una hermosa mañana…
Madrecita de los mexicanos (2x)
Desde el cielo una hermosa mañana… |
From heaven on a beautiful morning The Guadalupan The Guadalupan came down to Tepeyac The Guadalupan The Guadalupan came down to Tepeyac Her arrival brought happiness From heaven on a beautiful morning
Through the hill walked Juan Diego From heaven on a beautiful morning
Little Juan Diego the Virgin said
From heaven on a beautiful morning
Pleading She joined her hands
From heaven on a beautiful morning On the cloak surrounded by painted roses
From heaven on a beautiful morning From then on for all Mexicans From heaven on a beautiful morning
Mother of all Mexicans
From heaven on a beautiful morning
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