An annual celebration that draws pilgrims from around the country to a Chicago suburb for the largest gathering of its kind in the U.S. will culminate this week as hundreds of thousands brave bitter winter weather for a spiritual journey.

The event honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe begins Thursday at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines.

"Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from the Chicago-area and well beyond are expected to arrive at the Shrine to pay homage to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared to Saint Juan Diego on Dec. 12, 1531," the Archdiocese of Chicago said in a release.

The event will bring large crowds on foot, bike, bus and car to the suburbs, leading to street closures and more.

Here's what to know, whether you're attending or not.

When and

See Full Page