Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús

Feast day celebration in the Church of Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús (St. Theresa of the Child Jesus).

This event is held every year on 1 October, the feast of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux — Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús, the Carmelite nun who died in 1897 at twenty-four and became one of the most widely venerated saints of the twentieth century.

What happens. A novena of masses in the nine days before, the principal mass on 1 October, and a procession with the image of the saint through the streets of the neighbourhood. Roses are part of this one: Thérèse promised to "let fall a shower of roses" after her death, so parishes bless and distribute roses on her day.

And outside the church. A fair with food stalls, rides and games, usually over several days around the feast, bands, dance groups and fireworks after dark — the standard shape of a Mexico City patronal celebration, organised and financed by the mayordomía.

Practical notes. The parish publishes the programme a few weeks beforehand. Entry is free and the fair runs on cash. Late afternoon catches the procession; the fireworks come late. Ask before photographing people.