The feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, popularly known as the “matchmaker saint,” is celebrated every June 13th in different parts of the world. In Mexico, the tradition of standing the saint upside down to propose to a partner, offering him coins, and praying a novena has spread as an act of faith and devotion.
In Chiapas, this festival includes masses, dances, music, and food, and lasts for several days. In the San Antonio neighborhood, southwest of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, parishioners are already preparing to venerate the saint’s image. The novenas will begin on Tuesday, June 3rd, at 6:00 p.m., with a series of religious activities leading up to the main day.
The San Antonio temple will open its doors on that day, and throughout the week, matins will be celebrated, there will be music, and punch with pox, a traditional drink from the region, will be offered. In the early morning of June 13, the “mañanitas” (Saint Anthony’s Prayers) will be sung to the saint, followed by a procession through the streets of the neighborhood.
Inside the church, devotees can participate in sacraments such as First Communion, Baptisms, and Confirmations. They can also touch the image of Saint Anthony to pray for peace in their families, harmony in their relationships, and the resolution of personal conflicts. This centuries-old tradition, more than 100 years old, is considered miraculous by many, attracting believers from all over the world.
“Saint Anthony is very miraculous; many people come to the church to ask him for better love, marriages, and relationships. Some say it has worked for them, which is why many people come to his feast day with their candles, candles, and bouquets of flowers, while the priest gives them holy water,” commented Antonia Pérez, a devotee of the saint.
In addition to being associated with love, Saint Anthony is also the patron saint of bricklayers, papermakers, travelers, and the poor. Many faithful keep an image of him in their homes, often placed upside down, as a symbolic act to resolve love problems or find lost objects.
The Church of Saint Anthony in San Cristóbal was founded by Franciscan friars between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. During the festival, those who attend have the opportunity to drink holy water from the image and take part in a deeply religious and communal celebration.
A curious fact that has endured in oral tradition is that, every June 13th, in the afternoon or evening, a torrential rain usually falls, while outside, fireworks are launched and live music is heard, creating an atmosphere full of faith, culture, and popular joy.
Source: oem
