Mexico: Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe

1 of 10 It is said that 90% of Mexicans are Catholic, but 100% are Guadalupanos - devoted to the Virgin of Guadalupe, la Reina de México (Queen of Mexico). Photos by BBC News Online reader William Thompson.

2 of 10 On December 12th each year, processions from rural communities near San Miguel de Allende converge at Parroquia de San Antonio de Padua to celebrate the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

3 of 10 The people come bearing images of the Virgin, some from their community church others with images from their homes.

4 of 10 The images are set near the entrance to the church to be blessed by the priest.

5 of 10 The procession is accompanied by groups of traditional conchero dancers...

6 of 10 ...with pungent burning copal as they wait alongside the lines of people entering the church.

7 of 10 The boy's orphanage in San Miguel de Allende was named to honour the Virgin: Santuario Hogar Guadalupano. So they hold a gala affair to celebrate this day each year, with tables spread under the trees to serve a variety of local dishes.

8 of 10 Many come to enjoy the food and to offer their prayers in the chapel at the orphanage, built in a former 18th century granary with its impressive image of the Virgin.

9 of 10 Parents also dress their children in traditional costume for the day.

10 of 10 The sisters of the order Dominica who run the orphanage present traditional dances performed by a group from San Elias, a rural community.