The La Carolina neighborhood was filled with color, music, and tradition with the start of its patron saint festival in honor of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos, a celebration deeply rooted in community life that officially opened its doors on January 30th and will continue for four days of festivities.
Although the festival officially began this Friday, the festive atmosphere has been palpable since January 24th, when the religious activities began with the traditional novena. Since then, residents have participated in acts of faith that now blend with the popular joy of the 2026 festival.
Visitors can stroll through the aisles filled with aromas and flavors, with stalls selling bread, Mexican snacks, pancakes, novelties, amusement rides, and a wide range of activities for all ages. The opening ceremony was marked by the traditional Chinelo dance, which, amidst music and applause, welcomed the most intense days of the celebration.
This Saturday, January 31st, a mojiganga (giant puppet) contest is scheduled for 4:00 PM, along with sports tournaments and another chinelo dance, reinforcing the neighborhood’s festive spirit. Sunday, February 1st, will be dedicated to culture and devotion, featuring a performance by mezzo-soprano Ritta Rosales and the new children’s choir from the “Los Chocolates” Community Development Center, who will sing Ave Maria in the church.
There will also be danzón, Cuban salsa, a parish fair, and a procession with a band through various streets of the neighborhood, concluding with a chinelo dance and the burning of bull-shaped fireworks. The closing day, February 2nd, will begin early with the traditional serenades, folkloric performances, live music, another chinelo dance, and the highly anticipated burning of the castillo (firework structure), putting the finishing touch on a celebration that unites faith, identity, and community.
Source: diariodemorelos
