Travel Journal— Mexico City
My Day in Mexico City: San Judas’ Feast
Every year on October 28th, hundreds of pilgrims gather at this church to honor San Judas Tadeo.
Mexico is rich in cultural and religious traditions. Exploring the city through the lens of my Mexican friends led me to varied cultural events and traditions. Something I hadn’t experienced before.
It was last year that I had the opportunity to join my friends for a special feast in honor of San Judas Tadeo on October 28th at the Templo de San Hipólito, known as the Templo de San Judas Tadeo, which lies at the corner of Alameda Central in Centro Historico.
San Judas Tadeo, affectionately referred to as San Juditas by the locals, holds a special place in Mexican culture, being revered as the patron saint of those facing difficult and desperate situations.
When I arrived, the place was packed with a throng of people, and the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Street vendors lined the area near the church, selling San Judas Tadeo figurines in all shapes and sizes. It was a lively scene.
Each one carried a figure of San Judas Tadeo, some small and others life-sized, a testament to their unwavering faith. Some attendees wore white tunics and green shawls, symbolizing their reverence for the saint and showcasing their dedication.
I couldn’t resist engaging in conversations with a few devotees. It was both heartwarming and enlightening. I learned that some had undertaken pilgrimages on foot, carrying their cherished figures from their homes to the church. To my surprise, a group of cyclists who had traveled from cities as distant as Puebla and Toluca bore the weight of their sacred effigies on their backs.
I met a man in his forties who had pedaled all the way from Tlaxcala to be there. For him, this annual journey was a cherished tradition, a testament to the enduring connection between his family and San Judas.
One of the most touching encounters was with a woman in her thirties. She shared a personal story of how her faith in San Judas had guided her through a period of darkness, transforming her into a better version of herself. Her annual pilgrimage was an expression of profound gratitude, a testament to the profound impact of faith on her life.
As I entered the church, Misa had only just begun. No matter what religion, entering a house of worship always feels solemn. I observed the devotees closely, witnessing an atmosphere full of devotion and deep faith.
What I saw in this event was a spiritual journey similar to what I encountered in Santa Muerte, where people found solace, hope, and acceptance of their best selves — very much like a spiritual journey.