Virgin of Solitude Festivity
Date: December 18th

The legend giving birth to this celebration dates back to December 18, 1617. According to the legend, a muleteer who departed from Veracruz, headed for Guatemala, realised that he had one extra mule in his entourage when he arrived in Oaxaca. As he passed through the hermitage that is now the "Basilica" [Catholic Church], the mule dropped, exhausted from the heavy load it had been carrying. All of the muleteer’s efforts to help the mule where useless, so he decided to notify local authorities in order to avoid any punishment. As soon as he removed the mule’s load, it stood up, only to collapse again and die. The muleteer then proceeded to check the load, finding a semblance of the Virgin Mary, next to an image of Christ and words saying, "The Virgin of the Cros". This event gave rise to the tradition of the Virgin of Solitude being the Patron Saint of Oaxaca.

Adoration of Mary of Solitude came about during early colonial times, revolving around candid legends based on the power of faith. Since then, year after year, groups of pilgrims and ill people come to this place, full of faith and hope, to try to relieve their illness and despair.

This day is also an extremely joyous and religious experience, where people of every social echelon commemorate the Virgin’s anniversary. There is a great gala, where bells toll proudly, and musical events and calends are celebrated. There are liturgical celebrations and a fireworks display. There is a fairground, a lottery, and a great number of food stands offering typical foods, regional sweets, and of course, famous Oaxacan ice cream.

Source: Oaxaca-Travel.com