Feast of the Immaculate Conception

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is universally celebrated every December 8, nine months before the birthday of Mary, which is celebrated on September 8th.

It is the patronal feast day of the Spain, Portugal, Nicaragua, Brazil, the Philippines and the United States of America. It is celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church as well as a few other closely related Christian churches.

The feast is often celebrated with grand parades, national processions and cultural festivities in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is generally considered a family day, especially in Latin America countries.