Feasts & Traditions

First of all: this year's dates and times

This page explains WHAT each celebration is. The specific dates and times for this year are announced in the Mission calendar and announcements, or by phone. We do not publish an hour here that could go out of date: we would rather you call and arrive on time.

December 12th — Our Lady of Guadalupe

This Mission's patronal feast. In the Mexican tradition the mananitas are sung to the Virgin before dawn, matachines dance, and Mass is celebrated. It is the day when the most people gather all year.

Las Posadas and Christmas

From December 16th to 24th, Las Posadas recall Mary and Joseph's journey seeking lodging in Bethlehem. People process with candles, sing asking for shelter from door to door, and finish with prayer, food and a pinata for the children.

Christmas Eve culminates with Midnight Mass. On January 6th, the Epiphany brings the Rosca de Reyes, and on February 2nd, Candlemas, the Child is lifted up and tamales are eaten.

Lent and Holy Week

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, when ashes are placed on the forehead, and lasts forty days. On Fridays the Via Crucis, the Way of the Cross, is prayed.

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and reaches its heart in the Triduum: the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, the Passion and veneration of the cross on Good Friday — in many communities with a living Via Crucis — the Easter Vigil on Saturday night, and Easter Sunday.

November 1st and 2nd — the faithful departed

November 1st is the feast of All Saints and November 2nd the commemoration of All Souls. Many families set up an altar at home with photographs of their dead, marigolds, bread and candles, and have a Mass offered for them.

If you would like a relative remembered at Mass on those days, please let us know in advance.