Pátzcuaro in Brief

an overlook through the region and its closer points.

by

Arturo Pimentel Ramos

(1929 - 2002)

a cuya memoria está dedicado este sitio.

Preface

FERIAS, FIESTAS AND CELEBRATIONS
 

When it comes to fairs and fiestas, the lacustrine region has many celebrations and a great variety of them. We will refer to them briefly, based on the calendar and on the location of the celebration. We suggest that if you want to attend any, especially those of pagan/religious character, you be conscious that merely your presence at the event makes you part of it, and it is important to inquire with the villagers about their customs and protocols. It is crucial that the tourist know what he is getting involved in and that he behaves with respect. On this depends to a large extent the preservation of our traditions and the harmonious relationship between the villagers and the visitors.

January

1^st. - Ihuatzio: Celebration of the new year. The “danza de los viejitos” (dance of the old men) is

         presented.

2^nd to 6^th - Tócuaro: Epiphany (Day of the Magi). Four feast days with presentation of “pastorelas”, or

                  shepherd’s songs.

6^th  - Pátzcuaro: Epiphany. Shepherd’s song presentation.

      - Janitzio: Epiphany.

      - Ihuatzio: Epiphany, “danza de los viejitos” is presented.

      - Tzintzuntzan:  Epiphany  (is celebrated  principally in Ichupio, a municipality of Tzintzuntzan).

        For three days, the “kings” travel the village delivering gifts. During this feast the visitors are

        feted with doughnuts with honey and white “atole”.

      - Santa Fe de la Laguna: The Magi. Presentation of shepherd’s song and dances.

      - Erongarícuaro: Epiphany.  Festival to the child god with the “danza de los viejitos” and

        “pastorelas” in the atrium of the church and in the streets.

17^th  - Pátzcuaro: Day of saint Anthony abbot. Domestic animals and birds are adorned with flowers

           and taken to be blessed.

        - Uruapan: Day of Saint Anthony abbot. Benediction of the animals.

22^nd  - Erongarícuaro: Day of  “el Señor de la Misericordia”

February

1^st to 7^th  - Tzintzuntzan: “Señor del Rescate”. Celebration instituted by don Vasco de Quiroga.

                  Pilgrimage, band music, dances, sporting events, folk fair and presentation of the “danza

                  del Señor del Rescate”.

2^nd   - Tócuaro: La Candelaria (presentation of the child Jesus in the temple ): The candles of the

          great candelabra are blessed, asked to mitigate the calamities of life and implore the

          attendance of the Mother of God in the critical moment of death.

Varies - Pátzcuaro: Carnival. During three days (Sunday, Monday and Tuesday ) the “toritos” (little

            straw bulls) from each neighborhood are passed through the streets, accompanied by oboe

            music and ropes and characters such as “el apache”, “el caballito” (the little horse), “el

            caporal” (the chief) and “las maringuías” (men dressed like woman).

           - Ihuatzio: Carnival.

           - Uruapan: Carnival. Dances, pilgrimage and jaripeo (rodeo).

March

14^th - Pátzcuaro: don Vasco de Quiroga (annual mourning): Cultural week. Handicrafts exposition, organ concert in the Basílica and traditional music.

24^th  - Cuanajo: Crafts competition and folk fiesta.

more

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General info

How it all began

Don Vasco de Quiroga

Buildings to visit in Pátzcuaro

Plazas of Pátzcuaro

Still more...

Handicrafts

Beyond Pátzcuaro

Credits

Villa Pátzcuaro

Hotel /RV Park

Pátzcuaro.info

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