Catholic Cardinal Robert McElroy will lead a colorful procession of more than a thousand people to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe through the streets of North Park at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, continuing a local tradition that is over half a century old.
The procession will begin at Jacaranda Dr. and Upas St., at the Morley Field Sports Complex.
The procession will then will travel east on Upas, south on 28th St., east on Redwood, south on 32nd, and east on Nutmeg to the main entrance of St. Augustine.
Afterward, McElroy, accompanied by Auxiliary Bishops Ramón Bejarano, Michael Pham, and Felipe Pulido, will celebrate Mass at St. Augustine High School at 1 p.m. for approximately 2,000 people.
Hundreds of people from around the county will participate in the procession. There will be decorated vehicles, folkloric dancers, and musicians, continuing the local tradition.
Last year’s procession had more than 70 dancers and 20 floats. Around noon, an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was crowned near the high school gym.
Our Lady of Guadalupe is also known as the Virgin of Guadalupe, a Catholic title for the Virgin Mary.
Guidance for the event, according to the Diocese of San Diego:
- Wear comfortable shoes and have sun protection;
- Parking at St. Augustine High School is limited; carpooling or getting dropped off recommended;
- Vehicles can be left at Morley Field, where there is parking; and
- No animals on the school campus.
A fiesta with mariachi music and Mexican food will take place after the Mass.