On November 14, 1921, one of the most surprising episodes in the history of Guadalupan devotion occurred: a bomb exploded in front of the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe inside the Basilica of Mexico, causing serious damage to the temple… but the tilma of Juan Diego remained intact.
Although the Church has never declared it an official miracle, the fact is widely documented and continues to be a point of fascination for believers, historians and the curious who visit the site or follow the Guadalupan tradition from the United States.
The attack on the Virgin of Guadalupe
104 years ago, in the old Basilica of Guadalupe, a bomb hidden among the flowers at the feet of the Virgin exploded. Despite this, the image suffered no damage, thanks to a crucifix that received the full impact. Hence the name “El Cristo del Atentado”…. pic.twitter.com/ibszFwAdoK
– Primate Archdiocese of Mexico (@ArquidiocesisMx) November 14, 2025
The explosion occurred when a man placed a bouquet of flowers with dynamite under the altar where the tilma was displayed.
The bomb detonated during the morning, causing a roar that shattered windows, damaged stairs, destroyed floors and twisted a bronze crucifix located only a few meters away.
The crucifix – which is still on display in the Basilica as a testimony – was bent backwards by the force of the impact.
The tilma, on the other hand, suffered no visible damage: no burns, tears or discoloration.
This contrast is one of the most studied elements of the episode.
Documented damage: what the bomb did destroy
Historical archives record that the explosion.
It broke all the nearby windows.
Fractured steps and railings.
Completely bent a solid metal crucifix.
He threw fragments of stone and marble several meters away.
Despite the violence of the attack, no one was killed, although there were injuries and panic among those present.
Specialists agree that the structure of the altar and the crucifix itself absorbed most of the impact.
But that doesn’t explain why a plant-fiber fastener – a fragile material that normally lasts only 20 to 30 years – suffered absolutely nothing.
What do the studies say?
The tilma was not protected by armored glass as it is today.
Thick glass was installed until the end of the 20th century.
In 1921, the image hung outdoors, exposed and vulnerable.
Therefore, the researchers emphasize: There were no physical barriers between the pump and the tilma.
The impact went straight to the altar.
The blast wave bent much more resistant objects.
However, it left no trace on the fabric or the image.
Photographs taken after the attack confirm this.
The Church has not issued an official explanation, but acknowledges the extraordinary protection of the tilma in this episode.
A profound symbol for Hispanics in the U.S.
Tu donativo brinda terapias, esperanza y un futuro sin límites a niños con discapacidad. Haz la diferencia hoy.
Dona y cambia vidas
For millions of immigrants carrying stress, fear, grief and hope, this episode has become a spiritual message of resilience.
The tilma that survived explosions, attacks and centuries without protection is the same one that accompanies devotees in churches in California, Texas, Illinois and New York.
The folded crucifix is still there, displayed under the image, as a reminder that even in the midst of destruction and fear, faith stands.
Almost 100 years after the attack, the episode continues to inspire studies, documentaries and pilgrimages.
For believers, the tilma remains a symbol of protection; for historians, a historical mystery; and for the U.S. Hispanic community, an unbroken root.
Filed under: Attack on the Virgin of Guadalupe
