Viva La Virgen

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Viva La Virgen

October 6, 2022 by spixl

A BFF since age twelve (don’t ask how long ago that was) and her husband are visiting. I took them to the weaving village of Teotitlán del Valle for the Santísima Virgen del Rosario festival — three days of witnessing the weft of Spanish conquistador Catholicism woven onto the warp of indigenous Zapotec culture. The public festivities began with Friday evening’s convite — a formal 45 minute procession, through the streets of the village, that serves as an invitation to the festival.

*Canastas, with images of Mary and Jesus, waiting to be carried on the heads of unmarried young women and girls.*

*Young boys waiting with marmotas on tall carrizo poles.*

*Band #1 leads off the convite with a giant Viva la Virgen marmota.*

*At least 100 young unmarried women and girls, in traditional festival dress, carry canastas on their heads through the cobblestone streets.*

*Band #2 provides the music for the danzantes who follow.*

*Danza de la Pluma danzantes, with rattles shaking, march and dance their way through the streets.*

I think my friends were impressed!

Posted in Celebrations, Creativity, Culture, Travel & Tourism | Tagged convite, Danza de la Pluma, danzantes, Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario, Mexico, Oaxaca, photos, popular travel destinations, procession, religious processions, Teotitlán del Valle | 12 Comments

12 Responses

on October 7, 2022 at 8:22 am | Reply Saskia

love your photos, love Oaxaca, so much joy on those faces
- on October 15, 2022 at 4:55 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thank you. And, they bring joy to my face!
on October 7, 2022 at 8:33 am | Reply franciefuhrel

These celebrations are so rich and colorful! I bet your your friends were astounded! I miss all all of this, which we have nothing of, in Florida!
- on October 15, 2022 at 4:56 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Yes, they loved it!
on October 7, 2022 at 12:04 pm | Reply connie verduzco

Great pics as always, thanks
- on October 15, 2022 at 4:56 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, Connie!
on October 8, 2022 at 2:22 pm | Reply marga shubart

Greetings –

MANY years ago, I was there for that fun celebration!!

It was good to see you and Lanita….(I am always amused by her name …(”little wool”.!!!) > ….. Thanks for the delicious cupcake!!

Keep in touch….Marga >
- on October 15, 2022 at 4:57 pm | Reply spixl
  
  It was great to see you and glad you liked the muffin!
on October 15, 2022 at 6:26 am | Reply afish25

Love the parties and parades of Oaxaca. And the matching shirts!
- on October 15, 2022 at 4:58 pm | Reply spixl
  
  The fiestas seem to happen one after another. It’s great!
  - on October 16, 2022 at 9:09 am afish25
    
    We went to a festival last night in Chetumal, 40 minutes away. All the booths were plastic crap from China. Very disappointing. Enjoy Oaxaca while it lasts.
on October 19, 2022 at 5:37 pm | Reply Dance of the Kings | View From Casita Colibrí

[…] two days following the previously mentioned convite inviting the villagers of Teotitlán del Valle and guests to the festival honoring the Virgen del […]