Late yesterday afternoon, we returned to Teotitlán del Valle for the convite (parade) of unmarried young women and girls, a part of the annual patronal festival of La Preciosa Sangre de Cristo. The sun was shining, the rains of two days before were nowhere to be seen, and the sacred mountain, El Picacho, gracefully, but commandingly, presided as the soldados and danzantes entered the church courtyard.
Bands also arrived to take part…
Canastas (baskets) were lined up, ready to be carried…
The young men of the village gathered…
Family and friends awaited…
And then the young unmarried women and girls, the stars of the evening, raised the canastas over their heads…
Balancing the canastas, they processed from the courtyard, down several long and cobblestone blocks, turned left, and headed back up another street to where they had begun, to be greeted by proud family and friends, who had gathered to acknowledge and celebrate the young women and girls of Teotitlán del Valle.
For some inexplicable reason, we never cease to feel moved and uplifted by this ritual.
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
Wonderful series of pictures!
Gracias… returning today.
What an interesting and beautiful fiesta. Can you say more about the purpose and history of the parade?
As a person always on the hunt for folk art, I’m wondering what happens to the amazing basket pieces when the parade is over…thank you!
Anne at http://www.zinniafolkarts.com
Anne, thanks for stopping by!
I’ve emailed a friend from Teotitlán del Valle asking about the history and purpose of the convites and will post his answer. However, I think the canastas are saved and reused, as the convites occur twice during this patronal festival and twice (I think) in October, during the Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario.
Your shop looks wonderful. Do you make buying triops to Mexico often?
Hi there,
Yes I visit 3-4 times/year. All of my folk art is hand selected from all over the great country of Mexico. I am especially fond of things like those baskets–they likely wouldn’t sell in Minneapolis but they are very colorful, beautiful and unique. I’ll be interested in any information you can find about the convites. Thanks a million! Anne
Hi again! I just noticed that you asked me a question. Yes, I travel to Mexico 4 times/ year. Am writing to you now from DF…just arrived today and will be shopping for Muertos and Christmas. Do let me know if you find out about the canastas. They are gorgeous. Anne
[…] Comments « Uplifting… […]
Hi Shannon,
We enjoyed meeting you, seeing your terrace, and viewing your blog.
I’ll send links to my pix of Teotitlan after returning and recovering!
Cheers, Ken + Lee
Enjoyed meeting you both, too! We are now gearing up for Guelaguetza and all the events surrounding it. Looking forward to seeing your pix. Saludos, Shannon
HI again,
After several moons, and starting up teaching my classes, I published a group of 9 posts from our time in Oaxaca.
This post has links to the others: http://www.kenstorch.com/locations/oaxaca-keep-or-destroy/
or
this one links to all:
http://www.kenstorch.com/category/locations/oaxaca/
Cheers,
Ken