The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, one of the most important religious celebrations in San Cristóbal de las Casas, will take place on July 16th at the historic Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Hundreds of parishioners and visitors are expected to attend and participate in the various liturgical and cultural activities scheduled throughout the day.
Parishioners, catechists, and church staff are responsible for organizing this celebration and are already preparing for the novena, which will begin on July 8th and last for nine days as part of the events leading up to the feast in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The organizers have invited the Catholic community of San Cristóbal de las Casas and surrounding areas to participate in this traditional festival, which is celebrated annually with great devotion and joy.
According to the program, on July 16th, activities will begin at 4:00 a.m. with a procession in the church plaza and the singing of “Las Mañanitas.” Later, starting at 7:00 a.m., the first Mass will be celebrated, and baptisms and first communions will take place throughout the day.
Outside the church, a lively festival will be held, accompanied by musical groups, as well as the traditional floral offerings, dances, and other expressions of faith that are part of this religious celebration.
The organizers indicated that they expect the presence of hundreds of parishioners, as well as visitors from other states of Mexico, who will come to venerate the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel housed in the church.
The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, located three blocks from the Historic Center of San Cristóbal de las Casas, is part of the city’s historical heritage. Its original construction dates back to 1578, when it was built as the Hermitage of Saint Sebastian. Later, between 1674 and 1680, the iconic Arco del Carmen was built, serving as the city’s entrance and as part of the former Convent of the Nuns of the Incarnation.
The day will conclude around 11:00 p.m. with the traditional burning of firecrackers and rockets, bringing to a close one of the most deeply rooted religious festivals among the Catholic community of San Cristóbal de las Casas.
Source: oem
