San Judas Tadeo Day — October 28 Feast Day: History, Traditions & Celebrations
When Is San Judas Tadeo Day?
The Feast Day of San Judas Tadeo — October 28 — is one of the most significant dates in the Latin American Catholic calendar. On this day, millions of devotees across Mexico, the United States, Colombia, Central America, and beyond gather to honor the patron saint of impossible causes through prayer, pilgrimage, and public celebration.
In the Catholic liturgical calendar, October 28th is shared with Saint Simon the Apostle — both are celebrated together, as tradition holds they were martyred on the same day. However, in Latin American popular devotion, the day belongs overwhelmingly to San Judas Tadeo.
The Mexico City Pilgrimage: Largest Gathering of San Judas Devotees
The Church of San Hipolito (Templo de San Hipolito) in the historic center of Mexico City is the epicenter of global San Judas devotion. Every October 28th — and every 28th of the month throughout the year — hundreds of thousands of pilgrims converge on this small baroque church to present their petitions, give thanks for miracles received, and carry his image through the streets.
The scene is extraordinary: the surrounding streets are closed for blocks, vendors sell green flowers, candles, statues, and green balloons (green being San Judas' color), and the faithful wait for hours in line to enter the church and touch or kiss his statue.
The 28th of Every Month
One of the unique aspects of San Judas devotion is that his celebration is not confined to once a year. The 28th of every month is observed by many devotees as a miniature feast day — a monthly renewal of petitions and thanksgiving. This practice is particularly strong in Mexico City, where the Church of San Hipolito draws thousands on the 28th of each month, not just in October.
Traditions for Dia de San Judas Tadeo
- Green flowers and candles — green is his color, symbolizing hope
- Blessing of statues and images — devotees bring their San Judas statues to be blessed by a priest
- Street processions — carrying his image through neighborhoods
- Novena prayer — nine-day prayer cycle ending on October 28th
- Thank you announcements — publishing gratitude in newspapers for miracles received
- New tattoos — many devotees choose October 28th for their San Judas tattoo
- Altar offerings — fresh flowers, candles, food, and personal items placed at his image
How to Celebrate San Judas Day at Home
- Set up or refresh your home altar with a San Judas statue, green candles, and fresh flowers
- Pray the traditional prayer or novena
- Invite family members to join in prayer
- Light a green or white candle as a prayer offering
- If your petition was answered this year, make a public thank-you — online, in church, or in a local publication
- Visit a local Catholic church for Mass in his honor
San Judas Day Around the World
| Location | Celebration Style | Key Gathering Point |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico City, Mexico | Massive street pilgrimage, monthly observance | Templo de San Hipolito |
| Los Angeles, USA | Parish Mass, community processions | Multiple Catholic parishes |
| Bogota, Colombia | Parish celebrations, home altars | Iglesia San Judas Tadeo |
| Chicago, USA | Novena and procession | Our Lady of Guadalupe Church |
| El Salvador | National celebration, media coverage | Cathedral of San Salvador |
Prepare Your Devotion for October 28
Whether this is your first San Judas Day or your thirtieth, our collection of devotional items can help you honor him meaningfully:
- San Judas Jewelry — silver and gold medallions to wear on his feast day
- Sacred Statues and Altar Items — a San Judas statue for your home altar
- San Judas Temporary Tattoos — wear his image for the feast day celebration
Carry His Blessing Every Day
San Judas Tadeo walks with those who carry his image — in ink, in silver, in gold, and in prayer.
Shop San Judas Jewelry All Devotional Products