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Danza is a Catholic tradition where many groups of dancers express their belief, love and self by dancing to the Virgin Mary (Lady of Guadalupe). There’s a desfile (parade) the weekend before December 12th, which is the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. It’s a beautiful thing to see and hear, as each group of dancers have different religious songs they dance to and are each distinct, yet unique, wearing different attire in relation to their colors and saint.
The parade lasts a few hours as there are many Danza groups, including musical bands and charros (Mexican horseman), which results in roads being closed on these special days. The desfile the weekend prior usually always takes place on Broadway. On December 11th, all the Danzas get together at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church and dance to the Virgin Mary all night, then entering midnight is when they celebrate La Virgin De Guadalupe’s birthday.
“Although I’m not in Danza this year, the past couple of years when I was, it was an honor and privilege to be able to be a part of Danza and dance to mi Morenita (Virgin Mary),” senior Jessica Gonzalez Nunez said. “The cold and soreness doesn’t come to mind as I feel self-gratification and do it hoping my prayers to La Virgin will come true, as she’s with me every step of the way. It’s not something you join just for fun, yet genuinely having a profound and heartfelt purpose for doing so.”
