Mexico celebrated its patron saint this weekend as thousands of pilgrims gathered in the city of Monterrey to pray for an end to the ongoing violence that has plagued the country since the start of the so-called war on drugs in 2006.
The annual celebration, known as the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, brought together people from all walks of life to honor the country’s beloved patron saint. Despite the festive atmosphere, many pilgrims used the occasion to call for an end to the senseless violence that has claimed the lives of over 430,000 people in Mexico over the past decade.
As they made their way through the streets of Monterrey, the pilgrims held signs and chanted slogans demanding peace and justice for the victims of the drug cartels and organized crime groups that have terrorized the country for years. Many expressed frustration with the government’s inability to curb the violence and called for a new approach to tackling the root causes of the problem.
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe serves as a poignant reminder of the deep spiritual and cultural ties that bind the Mexican people together in times of hardship. As the country continues to grapple with the devastating toll of the drug war, events like this offer a glimmer of hope and a sense of community as people come together to pray for a better future for Mexico.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “Mexico celebrates patron saint: Pilgrims call for an end to ongoing violence” was uploaded on 12/12/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English