Immaculate Conception of Mary, a purely Catholic celebration, but one that in Argentina has a characteristic non-working day.

With great predominance of Catholicism in the country, December 8 is the day on which the Immaculate Conception of Mary is celebrated, among other things, and is part of the calendar of national holidays.

For this reason, we want you to know the history of this national celebration, which is also a public holiday in the world!

98 are the parishes in which this festival is celebrated, which bear the same name, within the different municipalities that make up the country’s territory. Immaculate Conception of Mary, is the patron saint of different churches, and bears that name to commemorate the day the Holy Virgin Mary was conceived without sin, keeping her shape until the day of her death.

Immaculate Conception of MaryFor this reason, each year, December 8 appears as a non-working day on the national calendar, in addition to being the date we put the Christmas tree. Exactly, from this date, the Christmas season begins, which ends on January 6 with the day of the Three Kings.

But why on December 8th? Its origin dates back to 1854, when Pope Pius IX made this day the date on which he affirmed to his papal bull “Ineffabilis Deus” that the Virgin, since her conception, had not been touched by original sin, holding her form till die. For the Church, the Virgin was born on September 8, so, counting 9 months of gestation, December 8 is reached as the date of Conception.

Her image is represented with a woman dressed in a white tunic and a blue cloak, symbols that represent purity and eternity. Subtly crossed on her chest are her hands, and 12 stars crown her head, in addition to having a serpent at her feet, symbol of her dominion of sin.

In the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires a party is organized in honor of the Virgin on December 7, and on December 8, at noon, solemn mass is held every year. In other parts of the country, the patron saint festivities are held in commemoration of the Virgin.

For this reason, on December 8 you will see that, throughout the country, the streets, premises and houses are dressed for Christmas, with colored lights adorning balconies and windows, in addition to various celebrations, events and masses in churches, honoring the Virgin.

So that you find out about all the most important events and celebrations in Argentina, here is the link!