28 de Enero
Parish of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, Cintalapa de Figueroa
On January 28, the festivities and the official opening of the Traditional Candelaria Fair begin in Cintalapa de Figueroa, Chiapas. Organized by the Parish of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, in collaboration with the Municipal Government of Cintalapa, the celebration invites the faithful and the community to participate in a symbolic pilgrimage to Santiago Tlacoatzintepec, the abandoned ancestral town that gave birth to Cintalapa.
At this historic site, where the remains of the old church still stand — once home to the original image of Our Lady of Candelaria — the congregation gathers for a special mass by the riverbank. From there, the pilgrimage on foot begins, covering approximately 8 kilometers of dirt roads leading back to Cintalapa. Some participants arrive on foot, horseback, or motorcycles, while the municipality provides free transportation for others.
The journey, lasting about three hours, is filled with music, fireworks, and faith. Upon arrival at the town’s entrance, the Virgin is greeted with music, rockets, and festive cheers as the procession moves to the Parish of Santo Domingo, where the image is formally placed on its altar.
The same evening, the celebrations continue with tamale offerings, fireworks, live music, and dance, marking the start of the fair. From that date, the commercial fair comes alive in the streets surrounding the main plaza — complete with rides, artisan markets, restaurants, and local vendors.
Sports events, charreadas (rodeo performances), and escaramuzas (women’s equestrian displays) follow throughout the festival period. The main celebration takes place on February 2, the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, featuring a special mass, musical tributes, and the most important equestrian tournaments.
The Candelaria Fair blends faith, sport, and culture. It honors the Virgin through novenas and religious ceremonies, celebrates Cintalapa’s deep-rooted charrería heritage — dating back to the 1930s — and brings together modern music, dances, and cultural showcases for all ages. The People’s Theater, next to the parish, hosts free artistic performances, while the Cultural Corridor on the main street features exhibitions, concerts, and traditional art.