Tehuantepec Festivities "Las Velas"
Date: December 26th

Tehuantepec was the cradle of the Zapoptecas, and Cocijoeza was its last king. The vigils. or Velas are best-known in the city of Tehuantepec. All the women dance to the rhythm of La Sandunga, the most famous song on the Isthmus.

The religious-lay festivities called Velas are in honour of a saint, virgin, or a hero. The parish clerk is in charge of their organisation, and is assisted through the support of volunteers. During the Velas, masses are held, there are also reunions in the home of the parish clerk, and a parade with decorated floats and wagons. The volunteer girls are dressed in beautiful regional costumes and throw fruit and gifts to the by-standers. During the evenings there are get-togethers and dances.

Two of the vigils that take place are the Sandunga Vela and the Tehuantepec Vela. The Sandunga Vela is celebrated during the last week in May. The festivity includes the crowning of the Sandunga Queen and a dance. The Tehunatepec Vela takes place on December 26, in a dance salon, where all the women, as a general rule, typical Tehuana attire. This vigil, as the others, is observed by people native to the Isthmus region who live in other parts of the country. Each of the vigils is under the charge of a parish clerk who makes all the arrangements. The objective of these festivities is to conserve tradition, and for the Isthmus community to get together and enjoy their friends and relatives.

Source: Oaxaca-Travel.com