San Vicente Ferrer Festivity
Date: May 17th

The holiday of San Vicente Ferrer is celebrated in Juchitan de Zaragoza. Religious ceremonies called "Velas" are organised in order to commemorate a saint, Virgin or a local hero. They are organised by "mayordomos" (parish clerks, with the support of volunteer captains. These vigils, or "Velas" include masses, a party at the "mayordomo’s" home, a fruit parade (with decorated floats), where beautifully dressed girls in regional gowns throw fruit and gifts to the crowd. There are parties and dances during the evening.

San Vicente Ferrer Day takes place in the month of May, with a series "Velas" being celebrated previously. The main week begins on the second Saturday in May "Vela Biadxi” ["Vela" of the Plums], followed on Sunday by Vela del Calvario ["Vela" of the Calvary], Tuesday is "Angélica Pipí", Wednesday is for San Isidro Norte, Thursday is San Vicente Chico; Friday is San Vicente Grande; and celebrations end on Saturday with the final event, "Vela de Cheguigo".

“Vela de San Vicente” is the celebration of a mass, party at the parish clerk’s home, the fruit parade, running of the bulls (similar to Pamplona, Spain), fireworks, evening events, and popular dances. The "Vela de San Vicente Ferrer" is celebrated on the same evening in different parts of town.

Source: Oaxaca-Travel.com