FROM THE TEPEYAC HILL TO THE CATHEDRAL OF NEW SPAIN

THE CULT OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF MEXICAN IDENTITY – 16TH-17TH CENTURIES

Abstract

The devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe extended beyond Mexico and gained popularity throughout the American and Iberian worlds following the Conquest in 1519, enduring to the present day. This importance and significance must be addressed within the theoretical horizon of historiography, as its meaning is not solely theological: rooted in the social transformations of New Spain, the Virgin of Guadalupe underpins Mexican patriotism and nationalism. Records of this event, including those by Francisco de Florencia, Father Miguel Sanchez, and Nican Mopohua, provide insights into the contours of the Saint, her cult, and the relationship with the natives and the Spaniards. By occupying the native religious imagination, devotion has two aspects: first, the affirmation of Christianity mixed with elements of Aztec tradition, instrumentalizing the Spanish in attracting devotees; second, Hispanized natives may have found in Our Lady of Guadalupe a means to disguise their ancient beliefs and establish a Mexican nationalist ideal whose human and social model can be recognized in Juan Diego, the central figure of Nican Mopohua. This is the main aim of the text and the rationale for fostering research that considers the role of religion in the formation of Mexico's identity.