Sacred Heart's fundraiser for Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day

The Hispanic community of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Cullman offered a celebratory night of music, food, dancing and fellowship celebrating their history and customs. Shown are several of the youth attired in dresses which highlight their heritage and colorful clothing.

The event served as a fundraiser for their upcoming celebration of Our Lady of Guadulape feast day on Dec. 9. The annual festival celebrates their love and fondness for their country’s guardian, Our Lady of Guadalupe. The annual event starts with the blessing of attendees’ motor vehicle, followed by a procession through town carrying a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Once at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in town, the statue, surrounded by flowers and lights, is brought into the church with costumed dancers and musicians in attendance. The colorful pageantry and clothing celebrates the Hispanic heritage that the parishioners carry over to their current lives.

Dance teams from Birmingham and other locations travel to Cullman for the special festivities which also include supper and a fun-filled evening of dancing and fellowship.

The community is invited to the 5:30 p.m. Saturday night bi-lingual Mass (in English and Spanish) followed by the huge celebration in the Family Life Church gymnasium at 205 3rd Ave. SE in Cullman.