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JANUARY
1
Very significant day in the indigenous villages as new religious
and governmental office holders begin their year of service. The
ceremonies are interesting to observe. Very colorful clothing.
6 Day of Kings/Dia de Reyes. Major day for family
gatherings with special foods and exhange of gifts.
20
Celebration of San Sebastian. Joyful and fascinating festivals
take place in Zinacantan and Chiapa de Corzo.
FEBRUARY
2 Candelaria. The sitting up of Baby Jesus takes
place in homes throughout Mexico in solemn services featuring
live music, followed by dancing and a feast.
5 Constitution Day, a national holiday celebrating
the National Charter and offical end of the 1910 Revolution.
FEB-MARCH
Carnival
Week, preceding Ash Wednesday and Lent, and one of the biggest
events of the year in the area, taking place in San Juan Chamula,
about 10 km. from San Cristobal. The fascinating festivities occur
over a week-long period.
MARCH
Semana
Santo (Holy Week) One of the most interesting weeks of the
year in San Cristobal which is a major tourist destination for
Mexicans throughout the country, as well as other tourists, who
come to observe how churches throughout the city mark the long
Easter weekend. Concident with the variety of solemn ceremonies
is the annual Judas contest featuring paper maiche political figures
with accompanying satirical verse. Following the judging on Saturday
night, the Judas figures, filled with fireworks, are set afire.
21
National Holiday - Birthday of Benito Juarez.
APRIL
Feria
de la Primavera (Spring Fair) A very festive period in the
city, featuring special music Spring Fair concerts, art exhibits
and bullfights, as well as the traditional fair for people of
all ages. Offically begins on Easter Sunday, but a preview of
Fair activiities takes place in a gala event on the zocalo a week
in advance. During this same period, the founding of San Cristobal
de Las Casas is also celebrated. In 1999, the city's 461st birthday
was observed.
MAY
1
Labor Day, a national holiday. Parades in all major cities.
5
Cinco de Mayo, a national holiday commemorating French defeat
at the Battle of Puebla.
MAY-JUNE
Corpus
Christi Day. Religious holiday. All children are taken to
churches to be blessed.
JUNE
24 Day of St. John the Baptist. Seranades, parades, pilgrimmages
and fireworks, with the biggest celebration taking place in San
Juan Chamula.
AUGUST
10
San Lorenzo Festival, Zinacantan. This is one of the most
colorful festivals in the area throughout the entire year, featuring
horse racing up and down the main street, lots of music, unique
ceremonies, etc. The festival continues for the better part of
a week, but the 10th of August is the biggest day.
15
Assumption Day. Carpets of flowers decorate the churches.
SEPTEMBER
16
National holiday celebrating Mexico's Independence.
NOVEMBER
1
& 2 Dia de Muertos/Day of the Dead festivals take place on
November 1 and continue the next day, Todos Santos/All Saints
Day. The most important religious and Indian festival of the
year throughout Mexico with families visiting cemetaries embellishing
tombs with bread, candles, beverages, cookies and cigarettes.
A festive atmosphere celebrating the dead prevails.
20
National holiday commemorating the Revolution of 1910.
DECEMBER
5
to 12 The Virgin de Guadalupe, Mexico's most revered saint,
is celebrated during this most festive week of the year in San
Cristobal de Las Casas. Solemn and festive parades take place
simultaneously. The Church of Guadalupe in San Cristobal is beautifully
decorated with services taking place continuously while outside
live bands are performing and food stands are doing a land office
business.
25
Navidad/Christmas. A very quiet time in the city while families
gather. Christmas Eve services take place throughout the area
and one of the most interesting occurs in San Juan Chamula beginning
at midnight.
28
Day of the Innocents. Mexican equivalent of April Fool's Day.
31 Change of religious and governmental authorities take
place in many indigenous communities. Interesting and colorful.
This event occurs on January 1 in some villages.
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