25 de Abril
Catedral Metropolitana de San Marcos Evangelista de Tuxtla Gutiérrez
Every April 25, the city of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, capital of the state of Chiapas, celebrates the fair in honor of San Marcos Evangelista, its patron saint. This deeply rooted festivity among the people of Tuxtla combines elements of Zoque heritage and Catholic tradition introduced by Dominican friars in the 16th century, giving rise to one of the region’s most emblematic cultural expressions.
The origin of this devotion dates back to 1560, with the construction of a temple dedicated to San Marcos Evangelista, who is symbolically represented by a winged lion, a sign of strength and wisdom. The current Metropolitan Cathedral of San Marcos stands as a historical and spiritual landmark of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, serving as the main gathering point for religious celebrations, processions, and cultural activities that strengthen local identity.
Among the most representative traditions are the Entrance of the Bouquets or joyonaqués in the Zoque language, and the Coronation of San Marcos Evangelista, led by the Zoque Stewardship of the Virgin of the Rosary. During the procession, participants present the saint with colorful offerings called somés, crafted from leaves, flowers, fruits, bread, and sweets, accompanied by the sound of the drum and reed flute, traditional instruments inherited from the region’s Indigenous peoples.
Another cherished expression is the “Ensarta de Flor de Mayo” (Stringing of May Flowers), where men and women dressed in traditional Tuxtla attire gather in the central courtyard of the Municipal Palace to create long floral garlands, later carried in procession to the Cathedral — reaffirming the bond between the community, its environment, and its traditions.
In addition to the religious ceremonies, the San Marcos Fair features a diverse program of cultural, artistic, and sporting events, along with dazzling fireworks that light up the capital’s night sky.
The celebration of San Marcos Evangelista extends beyond Tuxtla Gutiérrez to other Chiapas municipalities such as Tecpatán and Acacoyagua, reflecting the deep devotion and cultural significance this saint holds throughout the state.
Experience the San Marcos Fair and enjoy Chiapas’ warm hospitality!
The origin of this devotion dates back to 1560, with the construction of a temple dedicated to San Marcos Evangelista, who is symbolically represented by a winged lion, a sign of strength and wisdom. The current Metropolitan Cathedral of San Marcos stands as a historical and spiritual landmark of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, serving as the main gathering point for religious celebrations, processions, and cultural activities that strengthen local identity.
Among the most representative traditions are the Entrance of the Bouquets or joyonaqués in the Zoque language, and the Coronation of San Marcos Evangelista, led by the Zoque Stewardship of the Virgin of the Rosary. During the procession, participants present the saint with colorful offerings called somés, crafted from leaves, flowers, fruits, bread, and sweets, accompanied by the sound of the drum and reed flute, traditional instruments inherited from the region’s Indigenous peoples.
Another cherished expression is the “Ensarta de Flor de Mayo” (Stringing of May Flowers), where men and women dressed in traditional Tuxtla attire gather in the central courtyard of the Municipal Palace to create long floral garlands, later carried in procession to the Cathedral — reaffirming the bond between the community, its environment, and its traditions.
In addition to the religious ceremonies, the San Marcos Fair features a diverse program of cultural, artistic, and sporting events, along with dazzling fireworks that light up the capital’s night sky.
The celebration of San Marcos Evangelista extends beyond Tuxtla Gutiérrez to other Chiapas municipalities such as Tecpatán and Acacoyagua, reflecting the deep devotion and cultural significance this saint holds throughout the state.
Experience the San Marcos Fair and enjoy Chiapas’ warm hospitality!
Credits: INAH Chiapas
