Fiesta de Belem de Acampa

The party at Barrio de Belem is held twice a year: on December 25th and February 2nd. During the celebration stewardship is transferred, so neighbors are called "los niñeros" (babysitters). The chapel that houses this image was built in the late sixteenth century.

This event is held every year. Belem de Acampa, a barrio of Xochimilco, keeps its own patronal feast; the parish sets the date and publishes the programme a few weeks beforehand, so confirm it before travelling for the day.

Why Xochimilco's barrios matter. Xochimilco holds fourteen original pueblos and seventeen barrios, each with its own chapel, its own mayordomía and its own feast day. Together they make up one of the densest ritual calendars in Mexico City: something is being celebrated somewhere in the borough most weeks of the year. These are community occasions, not programmed attractions.

What happens. Nine days of masses before the date, the principal mass on the day, and a procession carrying the image through the streets, with a band and dance groups. The chapel and its atrium are dressed with flowers and papel picado; outside, food stalls, rides and games, and fireworks at night.

Practical notes. Xochimilco has no Metro: the Tren Ligero runs from Tasqueña to Xochimilco, and the barrios are reached from there by local transport or taxi. Entry is free, the fair runs on cash, and photographs of people should be asked for first.