In pictures: Virgin of Guadalupe honoured

Millions of pilgrims gather in Mexico to celebrate the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the country's patron saint with masses and processions.

Juan Diego, an Indian peasant, is said to have witnessed an apparition of the dark-skinned Madonna on 12 December 1531.

In July Pope John Paul II canonised Juan Diego, Mexico's first indigenous saint, amid jubilant scenes.

Millions of pilgrims flocked to Mexico City to join in the celebrations

At the city's main basilica, dedicated to the Virgin, dancers dressed in traditional Aztec joined the parades

Many of those taking part carried statues of the Virgin, an image famous throughout the country

But for those who did not have any images of the Virgin there were plenty on sale

Celebrations also took place in the American city Los Angeles, home to a massive Hispanic community

There a massive replica of the original icon depicting the Virgin was carried through the streets