People are starting to gather in northwest suburban Des Plaines this afternoon. They’re coming for a religious festival that’s expected to attract more than 100,000 people.

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a huge annual celebration. It commemorates the day the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in Mexico.

Father Miguel Martinez is rector of the shrine in Des Plaines. He says the event will include 10 masses, prayers and at midnight, serenades.

MARTINEZ: It’s like daylight there. There’s just a lot of energy, a lot of faith. It’s a wonderful moment.

People from across Chicago are running, bicycling and even walking to the shrine. The festival is one of the most important religious events for Latinos.

I’m Lynette Kalsnes, Chicago Public Radio.