Torch Runners

If you are here in the Yucatan or other parts of Mexico on December 12 th or a few days before, you are likely to come across the “Virgin of Guadalupe torch runners.” You will find the torch runners along the highways, streets and even country lanes. What are torch runners? The torch runners are people that run a relay race event in honor of, or to keep a promise made to, the Virgin of Guadalupe – the patron saint of Mexico.

As you drive the roads of Mexico, you will find all kinds of trucks (from 3-ton trucks to pick-ups) filled with people and an altar with a statue or image of the virgin, balloons, palm fronds and flowers. Each group is made up of anywhere from five to fifty people. One at a time, for a period of some twenty minutes, someone runs along the road with a lit torch. Then the next person gets out of the truck and receives the torch and continues running.

The majority of the runners are from church groups who plan their own routes – routes that are different for each group. Whatever route is chosen, the runners get to the furthest point, usually via public transportation and then run back to Merida

Above: high spirits and determination carry the torch runners through the streets of Merida

planning their arrival to coincide with a Mass on December 12 th, the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Some runners run for just a few miles and take just one day, such as from Progreso to Merida. Others go as far as Mexico City and take a good ten days to do the run.

You will definitely see the runners on the Merida to Progreso highway, plus on the roads around Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Izamal as well as other towns and villages that have churches.

When the runners arrive at the church on December 12th, there are fireworks, mariachis, processions and Mass. This is a very festive, party-like time.

To read in Spanish click here