As part of a Mexican and Catholic tradition, thousands gathered at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph to commemorate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The feast features a special Mass in Spanish and is followed by the lighting of torches, which are then carried on foot to 31 other parishes in the borough and Queens.

There are nearly 200,000 Mexicans living in Brooklyn and Queens, and religious leaders say this commemoration is a way of recognizing the borough's diverse community.

The torch ceremony serves as a way to honor Mexican Catholics' holy pilgrimage. Those who participated in the festivities say their unconditional devotion and faithfulness to Mexican parishioners called for an official celebration.

The feast celebration marks the second year it has officially taken place at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Prospect Park.