Calendas
Date: December 24th

Calends are popular events meant to announce upcoming celebrations for each of the Oaxacan Churches’ Patron Saints. The origins of these celebrations date back to colonial times, introduced primarily by Franciscan Friars. The festivities have spread throughout the entire State of Oaxaca.

On the evening of December 24, a celebration is held to conclude the traditional "Posadas" These are nine consecutive galas commemorating the efforts of Mary and Joseph to find suitable accommodations in Bethlehem on the eve of Christ’s birth. During the evening, every Catholic church decorates cars for the parade with Christmas motifs, or the Patron Saint of their neighbourhood parish. These "floats" always have children riding on them, dressed in costumes made especially for the occasion, which is a great spectacle in itself. All the cars leave from their own neighbourhood, meeting simultaneously in front of the Main Square at 11:00 at night. After that, they return to their parishes and place a figure of the Infant Jesus, in his crib, on the edge of the altar in each church. Every temple tries to have the most impressive "Baby Jesus" All the figures are dressed in the most elegant attire.

Source: Oaxaca-Travel.com