Tlacotalpan Celebrations on February 2
In the town of Tlacotalpan, in the state of Veracruz, a well-known celebration dedicated to the Virgin has taken place for over 100 years.
The town of Tlacotalpan, Veracruz on a day of no festivities.
The Virgin is celebrated and the whole town comes to life. Dressed in red, town people escort the Virgin, their patron saint, in a slow, lavish procession through the streets of the town. The figure wears new attire every year. Women lead, wearing traditional clothing and accessories. The procession consists of more than 600 people on horse, headed by the Catholic archbishop and brotherhoods.
In addition, the image of the Virgin departs by a boat decorated with flowers of many colors, and is paraded along the river.
Photo credit: Alsharami Hernandez
Then, hundreds of faithful await and receive her with cheers and songs. Music is heard everywhere, as songs are sung and bands play. Regional music fills the town, including the meeting of decimeros and jaraneros, which includes various musical expressions of different forms.
At night, dancers fill the town stages and “toritos” are featured.
Coyoacán Celebrations on February 2
Coyoacán is another known town that dedicates the celebration of Dia de la Candelaria to the Virgin. Coyoacán. Since the 1930’s, Candlemas Day has been celebrated in Coyoacán.
Musical bands accompany the procession. Furthermore, there are colorful floral arrangements and street carpets made up of sawdust and flowers commemorate pre-Hispanic origins.
The entire celebration is an example of the collaboration and community of the inhabitants of the town.
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