30 de September
De 07:00 a 21:00
Iglesia San Jerónimo Miacatlán
Independencia s/n, Col. San Jerónimo Miacatlán. 12600
A traditional celebration of the patron saint with chineos dances, a procession of the saint, Las Mañanitas, masses, a fair, music, and fireworks.
This event is held every year on 30 September, the feast of Saint Jerome, the fourth-century translator of the Bible into Latin and patron of this parish.
What a patronal feast involves. Nine days of masses before the date, the principal mass on the day itself, and a procession carrying the image of the saint through the streets of the neighbourhood, with a band and dance groups accompanying it. The atrium is decorated with flowers and papel picado, and a fair with food, rides and games sets up around the church for several days. Fireworks close the main night.
Why these days still happen. Because the mayordomía — the families who take responsibility for organising and paying for the year's feast — keeps them going. The role rotates between households and is taken on years in advance. It is the reason patronal feasts in Mexico City survive without funding from anyone.
Practical notes. Entry is free; the fair runs on cash. The parish publishes the programme shortly beforehand. Late afternoon catches the procession, and the fireworks come late. Ask before photographing people.
