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.
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.
[…] two days following the previously mentioned convite inviting the villagers of Teotitlán del Valle and guests to the festival honoring the Virgen del […]
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
love your photos, love Oaxaca, so much joy on those faces
Thank you. And, they bring joy to my face!
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!
Yes, they loved it!
Great pics as always, thanks
Thanks, Connie!
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 >
It was great to see you and glad you liked the muffin!
Love the parties and parades of Oaxaca. And the matching shirts!
The fiestas seem to happen one after another. It’s great!
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.
[…] two days following the previously mentioned convite inviting the villagers of Teotitlán del Valle and guests to the festival honoring the Virgen del […]