A Wintery Dinner Party for Our Lady of Guadalupe
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
Today marks the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a religious festival that celebrates the Virgin Mary’s presence in Mexico City. As Mexico’s patron saint, the festivities are prominent and beautiful throughout Mexico and beyond.
To celebrate, we’ve created a wintery dinner party in our heads, complete with food, music and fresh flowers. Read on for ideas and inspiration.
A Prayer
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the patroness of the unborn, of faith and of hope. She is also part of the Catholic faith, and prayers are regularly recited to honor her. In the United States, we also honor the day by praying in solidarity with immigrants and refugees. This tradition began in 2016 and continues today. Here is one prayer we especially love:
For all those who see ‘home’ and all it means
Disappear behind them;
For all those who cannot see a home
In the days ahead of them;
For all those who dwell in
Daily insecurity;
For all those who are weary and
Without a safe place to rest their heads;
For all families in migration we pray.
May the image of the Holy Family
Fleeing oppression
Stay with us as we enter
A New Year, and
Stay with us each night
As we are blessed
With returning to a home.
May we also be blessed
With compassion for those
Still weary, still seeking,
Still with so far to go.
- by Jane Deren
An Adornment of Roses
For decorating your table, add fresh red roses. In the original story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Castilian red roses were given as a sign that her presence was real. Incorporating them into the holiday calls to mind the significance of Mary’s presence and of faith in overall. Try Craig Sole Designs or Floraloom or Floral Frontier or Verdant to arrange a bouquet.
A Feast
Image source: Yoli Tortilleria Instagram
This holiday is meant as a celebration of faith and hope. And so, a feast is fitting. What’s more, since the holiday was born in Mexico, a traditional Mexican meal feels especially right. Our go to is Yoli Tortilleria’s tamales from scratch. They’re made with fresh stone ground masa and are gluten free, with various fillings. Our current fav is the berry/pecan.
If you want to make your own meal from scratch, try the below recipe from Pati Jinich, Mexican chef, cookbook author and teacher. Her recipes are tried, true and delicious: Fried Shrimp Tacos with Apple Jicama Cucumber Slaw and Guacamole Salsa
A playlist by Abby Yemm, Nellie + teacher + artist + dj
As always, Abby Yemm crafted a killer playlist for the holiday. Press play and create instant ambiance, mood and delight.
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