THE 5 MOST POPULAR CHIAPAS FESTIVALS - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The five main festivals in Chiapas are the spring and peace fair, and the festivals of San Caralampio, San Sebastián, San Juan Bautista and San Agustín.

The religious influence on the cultural manifestations of Chiapas is undeniable. All towns celebrate the festivities corresponding to the patron saint and / or Marian invocation of their community.

These celebrations are usually accompanied by fireworks, Eucharistic celebrations, and musical and dance events.

On occasion, gastronomic and craft fairs take place. All activities are framed in the celebration of the religious festival.

You may also be interested in the traditions and customs of Chiapas.

In Chiapas, the festivities go hand in hand predominantly with religious events, as can be seen in the list below:

1- Spring and Peace Fair -San Cristóbal de Las Casas

Every year, in San Cristóbal de las Casas, the Spring and Peace Fair is celebrated, which takes place for a week, seven days after Easter Sunday.

This festival is characterized by the parade of floats and the development of sports activities, bullfights, cockfights, mechanical attractions, musical presentations, dances and gastronomic exhibitions.

In addition, the Queen of the Fair is selected, in a pompous parade that takes place in the heart of the city.

2- Feast of San Caralampio - Comitán de Domínguez

This popular festival takes place from February 11 to 20 of each year, in honor of San Caralampio.

Several parishioners of the municipality meet at the Chumish, a tree that marks the meeting point and carry out a procession to the Church of San Caralampio.

These festivals are characterized by the development of masses, parades, traditional dances (dancing devils) and fireworks, as well as the presentation of floral offerings.

3- Festival and Popular Fair of San Sebastián - Chiapa de Corzo

Also known as the Fiesta Grande de Chiapa de Corzo, this celebration takes place from January 8 to 23 of each year, to celebrate the festival of San Sebastián.

The entire city of Chiapa de Corzo actively participates in the celebration, taking part in the dances of the Parachicos (masked dancers) and the parades of themed floats.

The representation of a "naval combat" is also simulated with a very attractive display of fireworks. Finally, a community meal is shared among all participants.

4- Festivity of San Juan Bautista - Nuevo San Juan Chamula

The festivities in honor of San Juan Bautista begin on June 22, with processions and cultural fairs in the city of Nuevo San Juan Chamula, Ocozocoautla de Espinosa.

To honor the patron saint, special masses, processions and parades are held with the statue of Saint John the Baptist.

5- Feast of San Agustín - Tapachula

The festival of San Agustín is strictly celebrated on August 28, 28. However, in the city of Tapachula, this festival is commemorated with a large local fair, lasting one week.

To commemorate their patron saint, the people of Tapachula offer flowers and candles in the Church of San Agustín. In addition, they detonate fireworks while they go to the religious temple.

The fair is characterized by extensive displays of gastronomy, music, dance and children's attractions.

References

1. Customs, Festivities and Traditions in Chiapas (sf). Recovered from: turimexico.com
2. Typical festivals (2010). Recovered from: chiapasonline.com
3. Parties and Fairs for months (sf). Recovered from: chiapas.gob.mx
4. Festivities and traditions in San Cristóbal de Las Casas (sf). Recovered from: attractivosturisticos.com.mx
5. López, S. (2012). Annual cycle of the Chiapas festivities. Recovered from: todochiapas.mx
6. Mireles, S. (2014). The San Caralampio fair in Comitán. Recovered from: lavozdelnorte.com.mx
7. Ruiz, J, (et als) (1996). Tapachula: La Perla el Soconusco, 1st edition, Mexico, Government of the State of Chiapas.
8. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2017). San Cristóbal de las Casas. Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org