This year, the grand procession for the 475th anniversary of Our Lady of Loreto will take place in SMA, following the same route as Good Friday’s procession. Dignitaries and honored locals are in the procession marking our long history with the Virgin that moved her home from the war-torn Middle East to Italy.
During the Revolution from Spain, the Spanish had an inkling Allende and his pals were up to something but could not arrest him as he was leading the military in this same procession to Mary.
The extra time gave Allende the upper hand to start the Revolution on a few days later instead of the original planned start on February second for the feast of the Virgin of Saint John of the Lakes, a Mexican image of Mary replaced in the last minute by another Mexican Mary, Guadalupe.
You may have noticed this week was the grand pilgrimage from town in honor of Maria de Remedios, the Mexican image of Mary the Spanish chose to represent their side in the war.
If possible, sneak away for a bit to see the procession and festival for Maria Nina, celebrating the birthday of Mary in Plaza Civica. Fashionistas will be in awe of her hand made dresses.
To paraphrase Jan Brady, “Mary, Mary, Mary”!