Fiesta de Santa María Tomatlán

This town has several and diverse celebrations, the principal is celebrated on December 8th, where there they burning fireworks, place rides, features food and dancing. As if that was not enough, the carnivals and Holy Week are also multitudinous events.

This event is held every year. Santa María Tomatlán, an original pueblo of Iztapalapa, keeps its patronal feast for the Virgin Mary; the parish sets the date within the Marian calendar and publishes the programme a few weeks ahead, so confirm it before travelling for the day.

What a patronal feast involves. Nine days of masses before the main date, the principal mass on the day, and a procession carrying the image through the streets of the pueblo with a band and dance groups. The atrium is dressed with flowers and papel picado; outside, a fair with food, rides and games runs for several days, and fireworks close the main night.

The context. Iztapalapa holds more original pueblos and barrios than any other borough, each with its own church, mayordomía and feast. Their calendars are the oldest continuous institutions in this part of the city, far older than the streets around them.

Practical notes. Metro line 8 and the Cablebus serve the borough; the pueblo itself is reached by local transport or taxi. Entry is free, the fair runs on cash, and photographs of people should be asked for first.