In Des Plaines, Illinois, an event promising to inspire both faith and hope is set to unfold, drawing thousands of participants.

Beginning Thursday, a significant number of pilgrims will journey to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, joining in a cherished annual tradition.

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This celebration, which lasts a full 24 hours, has become a yearly highlight for many in the community.

Despite the chill of winter, the cold weather is no deterrent for the devoted Catholics who will partake in this pilgrimage.

The gathering coincides with a special day of remembrance on Friday, honoring the 1531 apparition of the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Guadalupe, to Juan Diego, a humble Mexican peasant.

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Bringing flowers and prayers, millions have flocked to the shrine of the Virgin Mary in Des Plaines since the mid-1980s.

The event typically draws as many as 300,000 people from across the country.

This year, the ongoing immigration crackdown has many people concerned, so it’s unclear how those fears might impact turnout.

Church leaders said this year’s event will happen as scheduled and federal agents won’t be allowed on church grounds, without arrest warrants.

Events will also be streamed online.

They said the purpose of the pilgrimage is to instill hope and be an expression of faith – for those who attend.

“Most of the time, people come primarily because there is a great need in there life and an experience such as this is a real bond, is a real moment of healing for them,” Father Esequiel Sanchez said.

Celebrations begin Thursday at noon, with praying of the rosary in the plaza at the shrine. The opening Mass celebration is at 8 p.m., followed by a fireworks show