Fiesta al Santo Patrono San Francisco de Asís

Traditional patron festivity in honor to St. Francis. The community makes celebrations with music and dancing, antojitos and firework structures.

This event is held every year on 4 October, the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron of the neighbourhood.

What the day looks like. Nine days of masses beforehand, the principal mass on 4 October, and the procession carrying the image of the saint through the streets, accompanied by a band and by dance groups. Because Francis is the patron of animals, many parishes add a blessing of animals on the day, which fills the atrium with dogs, cats and birds brought by their owners.

And outside the church. A fair with food stalls, rides and games, usually running for several days around the feast, and fireworks at night — the part that tells the rest of the city a pueblo is celebrating.

Who organises it. The mayordomía: the households that take on the year's celebration and finance a large part of it. The role passes between families and is committed to well in advance, which is why these feasts survive without any institutional backing.

Practical notes. Free entry, cash at the fair, programme from the parish a few weeks ahead. Ask before photographing people.