MAHOPAC- Hundreds of Guatemalans and Ecuadorians gathered in Mahopac Saturday for Pase del Niño Viajero or the Procession of the Traveling Child—a religious festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Jesus.

Father Szymon Kurpios of St. John the Evangelist Church explained the celebration carries significant social and cultural significance, as it fosters unity, social cohesion, and community solidarity through reciprocity and redistribution.

A procession that began on Route 6 and continued to the parish overlooking Lake Mahopac for a special mass showcased what the priest said was a “cherished tradition that highlights faith, community, and celebration. Families gather in prayer, paying tribute to the Child Jesus with reverence.”

The procession included decorated horses on wheels, children bringing sweets to the church, along with elaborately decorated vehicles.

Parishioners participated with beautifully decorated horses
Floats adorned with children highlighted the festivities
Father Kurpios blessed one of the elderly
Children dressed in costumes
Beautifully decorated wooden horses were wheeled to the church
Beautifully decorated wooden horses were wheeled to the church
In a show of religious unity, Father Kurpios led the processional past Temple Beth Shalom


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