December holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, due to its numerous festivities and significant dates. This month is marked by Christmas celebrations, the delivery of Christmas bonuses, and vacations.
Festivities and Important Dates
According to Federal Labor Law, December 25 is the only mandatory day of rest for workers in Mexico, coinciding with Christmas. Winter vacations for institutions under the Ministry of Public Education begin on December 19.
Chronicler Daniel Chicatti, in his work “Tehuantepec, Yesterday and Today,” highlights that December is a month filled with celebrations, including the birth of Christ, numerous weddings, and increased sales for merchants. Bureaucrats and retirees receive their Christmas bonuses, allowing for more extravagant celebrations.
Religious Festivals
December is rich in religious festivals:
– December 8: Dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, with many devotees traveling to Juquila, Oaxaca.
– December 12: Celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
– December 18: Celebration of the Virgin of Solitude, the patron saint of the state capital.
– December 16-24: Traditional posadas, culminating in the birth of baby Jesus on December 24 and Christmas on December 25.
Community Celebrations
On December 26, the traditional Vela Tehuantepec takes place, followed by New Year’s Eve celebrations on December 31. The winter holidays are the most popular, with every home, Christian or non-Christian, participating in the festivities.
Source: NVI Noticias
