05 de Mayo
Temple of San Vicente Ferrer, Copainalá
The Pueblo Mágico of Copainalá comes alive with color and dance every year, from May 5 to 10, during the Fiesta Patronal de San Vicente Ferrer. The celebration begins with an emblematic horseback parade that travels through the town’s neighborhoods, while temples are adorned with fresh flowers to honor the patron saint.
Throughout the festivity, religious, cultural, musical, gastronomic, and sporting events take place, making this celebration a cornerstone of the living heritage of the Zoque region. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of traditional sweets such as chilacayote, figs, sweet potatoes, cajetas, confites, and colorful cocadas. Vendors from neighboring municipalities such as Tapilula and Coapilla enrich the experience with their presence and products.
One of the most significant moments is the traditional dance “La Encamisada,” performed by women wearing white blouses. This artistic expression brings to life an old story dating back to 1943 in the community of Zacalapa. According to tradition, a woman of extraordinary beauty lived there, captivating every man who saw her. Her charm made her the center of attention at every festivity, but her radiance triggered the envy of the town’s women, who resorted to black magic to destroy her. A cruel spell deformed her body, made her lose her hair, and condemned her to social rejection. Forced to hide under loose white garments, she sought the help of a sorcerer who instructed her to bathe for seven consecutive nights in the Zacalapa River at midnight. The ritual began working, but jealousy consumed her husband, who, influenced by rumors, cast another spell on her—forever preventing her from regaining her former beauty.
During these days, Copainalá becomes a vibrant stage where residents proudly wear their traditional attire and share the rich cultural heritage that defines the municipality with visitors from Mexico and beyond.
Municipal authorities extend a cordial invitation to local communities, neighboring towns, and visitors to join the celebration and experience the hospitality, tradition, and joy that characterize the Fiesta Patronal de San Vicente Ferrer.
Throughout the festivity, religious, cultural, musical, gastronomic, and sporting events take place, making this celebration a cornerstone of the living heritage of the Zoque region. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of traditional sweets such as chilacayote, figs, sweet potatoes, cajetas, confites, and colorful cocadas. Vendors from neighboring municipalities such as Tapilula and Coapilla enrich the experience with their presence and products.
One of the most significant moments is the traditional dance “La Encamisada,” performed by women wearing white blouses. This artistic expression brings to life an old story dating back to 1943 in the community of Zacalapa. According to tradition, a woman of extraordinary beauty lived there, captivating every man who saw her. Her charm made her the center of attention at every festivity, but her radiance triggered the envy of the town’s women, who resorted to black magic to destroy her. A cruel spell deformed her body, made her lose her hair, and condemned her to social rejection. Forced to hide under loose white garments, she sought the help of a sorcerer who instructed her to bathe for seven consecutive nights in the Zacalapa River at midnight. The ritual began working, but jealousy consumed her husband, who, influenced by rumors, cast another spell on her—forever preventing her from regaining her former beauty.
During these days, Copainalá becomes a vibrant stage where residents proudly wear their traditional attire and share the rich cultural heritage that defines the municipality with visitors from Mexico and beyond.
Municipal authorities extend a cordial invitation to local communities, neighboring towns, and visitors to join the celebration and experience the hospitality, tradition, and joy that characterize the Fiesta Patronal de San Vicente Ferrer.