Virgin of Guadalupe Festivities
Date: December 12th

These festivities are a national religious gala, commemorating the legendary appearance of Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Mountain. She is the patron saint of Mexico.

Celebrating this event is extremely important in Oaxaca. It begins on December 12, with a rendition of "Mañanitas", a classic Mexican birthday song, sung by a group of local singers or bands. During the earliest morning hours, young boys dressed as Juan Diego (the man believed to have witnessed the Virgin’s appearance), along with young girls, dressed in typical Mexican attire, start a pilgrimage, making a floral offering to the Virgin. Catholic residents and visitors alike visit the temple of Guadeloupe during the rest of the day. During the evening, after Mass, there are fireworks, a fairground, and typical food stands that remain open for several more days. It is a popular gala lasting the whole day.

Source: Oaxaca-Travel.com