Thousands Cross the Valley for Our Lady of Guadalupe
Thousands of people walked from Palm Springs to Coachella for the pilgrimage of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The day began early for the devout with a 4am mass in Palm Springs.
And it ended with an evening mass at seven in Coachella.
But between that, thousands of people walked more than 30 miles across the desert.
Before the sun rises, the traditional mass honors the Virgin of Guadalupe.
And as dawn approaches, the annual pilgrimage across the desert begins.
"Some other people do it, they walk for something, they give up something, or if they're having problems they walk to solve that problem, asking the Virgin Mary if they can help them out with anything," said Sabina Mora, who has walked for many years.
We caught up with the crowd again in Rancho Mirage.
Every year, this walk draws thousands of people from across the valley.
"I've done it three years, but not all the way, this is the first year we do it all from Palm Springs," said Indio resident, Rosalinda Garcia.
Faith brings many to walk for miles.
"It's very important because its the day that we celebrate of Virgin de Guadalupe," said Garcia.
A group of Desert Hot Springs students told us what brought them this year.
"We all came because... we didn't want to go to school... sure, we all came because we didn't' want to go to school I guess," said Dania Marquez, a Desert Hot Springs resident.
"To be with around a lot of different people from other cities, just to come all together you know and have fun, have a blast," said Desert Hot Springs residents, Alexandra Delgadilo and Yadira Orozco.
The 12th of December is a day of religious significance for many.
"Just celebrating the birthday, that's when she appeared to one of the guys, his name is Juan Diego," said Orozco.
Hours later, we caught up again in La Quinta.
All along the route, people came to watch the pilgrimage and honor the Virgin Mary.
"She's very special to all of the Mexican culture people, and all throughout the North America, South America, because she's the mother of our redeemer, of our Lord Jesus Christ," said Tino Zamora, with the local Knights of Columbus.
The precession marches on, starting before the sun rose, and ending after it sets.
The Our Lady of Guadalupe mass and walk attracts anywhere from 3 to 5,000 people for the 12-hour journey.





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