The Fiestas of Puerto Escondido

Photos: Ernesto J. Torres

Virgen de los Pobres, Col. Lázaro Cárdenas


This is Puerto’s biggest annual saint’s day fiesta. The novena masses began on January 12 and concluded on January 20. But the events ran from January 6 to January 26 and included a cabalgata (parade of horses), a calenda, and fireworks.








The Virgin of Solitude

Photos: Ernesto J. Torres and Barbara Joan Schaffer

fisher boats



For the past 45 years, on December 18, except during the Covid pandemic, the fishermen of Puerto Escondido have taken the image of the Virgin of Solitude out to sea from her altar in the church of Puerto Escondido. The parish itself was founded in 1973 and is now celebrating its 50th anniversary. The Virgin of Solitude is both the patron saint of Oaxaca and of Puerto Escondido.






Barra de Navidad

Photos: Ernesto J. Torres and Barbara Joan Schaffer

In the Barra de Navidad, Christmas is celebrated for four days, starting with a cock fight. Each day ends with a dance . High lights include the convite and calenda on December 23, fireworks on December 24, and the piñatas and greased pole on December 25.







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