By Loretta Fulton

They swirled and spun to the music, all moving in a circle as they shook their shiny green maracas.

Their unofficial name is Danza Guadalupana de St. Francis of Assisi, named for Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Francis Catholic Church, where they originated. Their “unofficial” name most likely will become their official name, said Maria Hernandez, organizer.

“We are currently still discussing the name,” she said, “but this is the top name.”

One of their public performances was during a meal following the 25th anniversary celebration at Perpetual Adoration Chapel, located next to Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The meal, accompanied by various forms of entertainment, was held in the fellowship hall at Sacred Heart.

Among the many guests was Bishop Michael Sis of the Diocese of San Angelo. He presided over a Mass at Sacred Heart prior to a procession to the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. The celebration was held on June 29, exactly 25 years after the former bishop of the diocese, Michael Pfeifer, presided over the opening of the chapel. The chapel was a dream of former longtime priest at Sacred Heart, Rev. Bob Bush, who died in January 2025. 

Danza Guadalupana originated at St. Francis Church on Cottonwood Street on Dec. 12, 2024, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The date was chosen to honor and dedicate the dances to Our Lady or the Virgin Mary. The feast day commemorates the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531. 

The current group of 12 dancers ranges in age from 12 to 47, but a charming 4-year-old boy frequently joins in, delighting the crowd. 

“We are currently incorporating more children to learn the dances,” Maria said. 

Normally, the dancers rehearse twice a month, but the schedule ramps up from October to December with weekly practices in preparation for the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Traditional dances and music are presented, with a focus on Zacatecas. For performances, the dancers wear white T-shirts with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the front and a colorful, handmade mantilla draped around the waist. 

The performances are impressive and entertaining, but they are also meant to be educational to the audience and to the dancers themselves.

“The dances we have are traditional from our ancestors that have been passed down to us,” Maria said. 

Loretta Fulton is creator and editor of Spirit of Abilene