WICHITA, Kan. (KAKE) — December 12 is a special day for Catholics and the Hispanic community, marking the Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Across Wichita, families came together to honor the day through prayer, traditional dance and shared meals — celebrations rooted in centuries of faith and culture.

Outside Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in north Wichita, the sound of drums and maracas filled the air as matachines dancers stepped into formation.

“This is more than just dance and culture and tradition,” said Vianey Toribio, a matachines dancer. “This is prayer and a form of getting closer to God.”

The Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe commemorates the reported apparition of Mary in Mexico in 1531. Toribio says her family has been involved in the celebration for generati

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