Fiesta de San Miguel Arcángel Topilejo

Traditional fair of antojitos and Mexican food selling, fireworks, popular dances and band music, among other activities.

This event is held every year on 29 September, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, in San Miguel Topilejo, in the far south of Tlalpan.

The pueblo. Topilejo lies on the old road to Cuernavaca, high on the southern sierra, surrounded by forest and farmland and well outside the built-up city. It is one of the largest original pueblos in Mexico City by land area, and its patronal feast is the main date in the community calendar.

What happens. A novena of masses, the principal mass on 29 September, the procession with the image of the archangel, dance groups, bands, a fair in and around the atrium, and fireworks after dark. The programme is set by the mayordomía and published by the parish a few weeks ahead; celebrations usually span several days.

Practical notes. There is no Metro: the route is a bus or taxi from Tlalpan centre or Metro Huipulco along the Cuernavaca highway. At this altitude evenings are cold. Entry is free, cash is the only currency at the fair, and photography of people should be asked for first.