The festivities in honor of the Virgin of Juquila, one of the most important celebrations in Oaxaca, are celebrated with fervor, joy and devotion. Yesterday, December 7, the traditional processions began, accompanied by music, dance and fireworks, announcing the eve of the celebration in honor of this miraculous image. And today, December 8, there is no corner of the state that does not celebrate the Virgin with enthusiasm and respect, especially in most of the 570 municipalities of Oaxaca, where the celebrations are organized to venerate this celestial figure.
THE EPICENTER OF THE CELEBRATION: SANTA CATARINA JUQUILA
The center of the jubilation and the main venue of the celebrations are in Santa Catarina Juquila, where devotion to the Virgin reaches levels of great emotion. However, it is not only celebrated in this town; the image of the Virgin of Juquila is venerated in every corner of the state. It is very rare that a temple or community does not have an image of the Virgin or does not celebrate it with a sincere show of faith.
THE ORIGIN OF THE VIRGIN OF JUQUILA: A MIRACULOUS STORY
One of the most outstanding elements of this festivity is the story of the Virgin of Juquila, whose devotion has transcended generations. According to some historical versions, the arrival of the image to Oaxaca dates back to 1552, when the Dominican friar Jordan of Santa Catalina arrived in the region with a small statue of the Virgin, only 30 cm, which he had brought with him from Spain.
“The friar had at his service a young man, whose name is lost in history, who was a native of Amialtepec. When the young man returned to his town, the friar gave him this image,” tradition tells us.
Over time, the image became very popular among the people of Amialtepec and neighboring communities. The fame of the Virgin of Juquila as a miraculous figure grew rapidly, especially because it was said that the Virgin granted wishes and requests to the devotees.
“The image became so popular that in 1633 the priest of Juquila, Don Jacinto Escudero, had it moved from the rustic house to an equally rustic church,” the story says.
However, a tragic event marked the fate of the image: a devastating fire, caused by the burning of the forests to prepare the fields for sowing, destroyed everything, including the church that housed the Virgin. However, and miraculously, the image survived the fire.
“Miraculously, the image of the Virgin survived with her clothes and hair intact, only her face was blackened and with some blisters,” says popular tradition.
The devotees tried to restore her, but “without success. Then they understood that she wanted to take on the dark color of this ethnic group.” This peculiarity made the Virgin adopt an appearance that connected her even more with the indigenous peoples, who saw her as a close and protective figure.
THE MYSTERIOUS TRANSFER TO JUQUILA: A MIRACULOUS RETURN
Over time, the devotion to the Virgin grew so much that the priest Don Jacinto Escudero decided to transfer her to Juquila. However, an inexplicable mystery occurred.
“The miraculous Virgin brought so much fame and money to Amialtepec that Don Jacinto decided to take her to Juquila. But after a few days she disappeared from the church and was found in Amialtepec again. The people of Juquila said it was a robbery, those of Amialtepec said it was a miracle,” the story continues. This “miraculous return” occurred several times, until the Virgin, after her third journey, decided to stay in Amialtepec.
Finally, in 1719, the bishop of Oaxaca signed an edict for the image to be definitively transferred to Juquila, where it remains to this day and where, since then, thousands of faithful continue to celebrate and venerate the Virgin with fervor.
A FESTIVAL OF FAITH THAT UNITES ALL OF OAXACA
Finally, the festival of the Virgin of Juquila is a profound manifestation of the faith of the people of Oaxaca. A tradition that unites the entire population and that remains alive in the heart of each devotee. In almost every corner of Oaxaca, the celebration transcends geographical and cultural barriers, creating a common bond between those who give themselves to the Virgin with devotion and hope. This festival, full of color, music and processions, is a testament to the faith that remains alive, year after year, in the state of Oaxaca.
Source: imparcialoaxaca
