Here stands the Nicho de Virgen Yes. The Virgen de Guadalupe is an artistic motif in Mexican folk art. You see it in every state of Mexico.
These Nicho boxes are folk art handmade in Puebla. The painted wooden boxes hold 3-D images of the Queen of Mexico. That is Guadalupe. Every box is covered with glass. Each image and box is embellished. They shine with glitter and aluminum leaves. Necklaces and colorful trinkets add to the beauty. The boxes can stand or hang.
“Milagro” means “miracle” in Spanish. These religious charms are common throughout Mexico. People use milagros to request or thank God for a miracle.
The Basilica de Guadalupe offers nichos for loved ones’ urns. These spaces are at the feet of the Virgin. It is a special place to keep a loved one’s ashes. The Vatican says cremated remains should be kept in a church or cemetery. Ashes should not be kept at home. They also can’t be made into mementos. Scattering ashes at sea is discouraged.
The nichos are in the Cripta Guadalupana. This is inside the Basilica de Guadalupe. It is under the main altar at the Virgin’s feet. They are in the Corripio Ahumada passage. Each nicho holds up to six urns. It depends on the size.
The Basilica de Guadalupe nichos are special. They are part of the daily Masses. Prayers are offered every day at noon inside the temple.
You buy a nicho through the Basilica de Guadalupe administration. You get the rights to the space. There are rules for using the crypts. Beneficiaries must follow them.
Plaza Mariana also has crypts or nichos. They are an extension of the Basilica de Guadalupe atrium. A nicho in Plaza Mariana costs 25,300 pesos. It holds up to six urns. You pay the administration in one payment. You can pay with cash or credit card.
Bancomer offers payments in installments. There is a fee of 1,037 pesos for opening. The same amount is paid for annual maintenance. The Basilica de Guadalupe has sold all its nichos. No more are available.
Mexico’s biggest pilgrimage honors the Virgin of Guadalupe. It happens every December 12. This day marks when the Virgin appeared to Juan Diego. Millions of pilgrims travel for days. They come from all over the country. Pilgrims prepare clothes and carry banners. They bring candles and offerings. Many have a music band leading the way. Parade floats show the Virgin appearing to Saint Juan Diego.
The current church was built on the site of an older church. The older church was finished in 1709. It’s called the Old Basilica. The Old Basilica became unsafe. It was sinking. A new structure was built next to it. It’s called the New Basilica. The original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is now in the New Basilica.
The painting measures about 66 x 41 inches. The Virgin’s image is about 56 inches. In the Basilica, you can see the Virgin from any point. There is a walkway below the altar. Conveyors help people see better.
As you reflect on the story of the Nicho de Virgen Yes remember its cultural importance.