Overview:

The Trail of Light in Mexico is a week-long event that takes place every December in Mexico City. During this time, thousands of people from all across the city and beyond come together to enjoy a variety of activities, such as fireworks, night markets, parades, concerts, and other special events. It is intended to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico’s patron saint, and bring together individuals from different neighborhoods and socio-economic backgrounds. The event has been held since 1994 and has grown significantly over the years, with an estimated 4.8 million people attending in 2018. In addition to the festivities attended by the public, the Trail of Light in Mexico also includes private events for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, who view it as a special religious experience. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Mexico
Prominent Features:

1. Las Manos de Lucifer: Also known as the “Hands of Lucifer,” this attraction is a candle-lit procession through a subterranean cave, marked by intermittent flames and dense smoke. The guide's stories are filled with legends, lore and creepy tales. 2. La Ruta de la Muerte: The “Route of Death” offers a journey through the area’s dark past, exploring towns once marked by crime and violence. Unlike Las Manos de Lucifer, this tour takes place during the day, guided by local historians who will share stories of the many disappearances in the area. 3. El Camino de Jesús: A pilgrimage route that follows the footsteps taken by Jesus in the Bible. It’s a longer journey, but one that is considered to be sacred amongst devout locals. 4. La Gira de Luna: A series of performances and activities led by locals, which take place during the two weeks before and after the full moon. Prepare for a blur of music, dancing and fireworks. 5. La Máscara de la Momia: A massive 3,000-year-old mask that protects the secret of the ancient Mixtec. This annual event changes its form each month and is said to provide access to ancient wisdom. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Mexico.

History:

The Trail of Light is an annual event in Mexico to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The event has been celebrated since the 16th century, when the Spanish conquistadores brought the idea to the New World. The tradition involves setting up a series of bonfires that stretch across the country. As each fire is lit, it symbolizes the light of Jesus that guides people through dark times. The trail of light consists of 11 bonfires that run from Mexico City to the volcano, Popocatépetl, where the Virgin of Guadalupe is said to have appeared. The night of the bonfires is filled with music, laughter, and food. Families join in the festivities of the night, enjoying traditional Mexican treats such as tamales and pan dulce. The night ends with a fireworks display, signaling the beginning of Christmas season. Trail of Light is an experience that brought the people of Mexico together and continues to do so through this festive event. Visit one of the famous monuments of Mexico with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Trail of Light is an important pre-Hispanic religious ritual that takes place in Mexico each year. 2. During the Trail of Light, local villagers in all parts of Mexico take turns carrying a long chain of lighted candles from village to village. 3. The ancient ritual has been celebrated since the 6th century and is still performed for spiritual purposes. 4. Every village is lit with candlelight while the ritual is performed and ends with a sacred dedication to the gods in each community. 5. The Trail of Light culminates in a huge procession in the city of Mexico City on New Year’s Day. 6. During the Trail of Light, villagers typically dress in the colors of the Mexican flag and wear masks to ward off evil spirits. One of the historical monuments of Mexico, it tells the story of a bygone era