Patron Saint Festivities

From September 27th – October 17th the Cathedral in Merida will be the site of festivities, Masses, pilgrimages, rosaries, parades and music. The occasion is the celebration of the Cristo de las Ampollas – Christ of the Blisters. Dating back to 1886, this is when the Unions and Syndicates take time to give thanks for their work and profession. Everyday a different Union honors Christ and gives thanks.

This is one of the oldest religious celebrations in the entire city of Merida . Even if you are not religious or not Catholic, this is an interesting humanistic time. These types of celebrations are what fill the pages of many National Geographic magazines.

The Unions that participate are the shoemakers, bakers, small businesses, chauffeurs, seamstresses, tailors and embroiderers, glass and mirror makers, mechanics, teachers, students, railroad workers, ladies, hacienda owners, market workers, etc.

The schedule for the events are 6:15 AM, mass for the people of the Union that have died; 11:15 AM Mass for the Union, 11:45 AM parade of the Union people with banners, steel bands and fireworks. This is when they enter the Cathedral, march around and leave; 7 PM a rosary is said for the Union.

Special dates are: Oct 9 th 5:15 PM a procession in the interior of the cathedral, Monday October 17 is the closing ceremony with a parade around the Main Plaza at noon.

This is a serious religious time for these people. While you take pictures and enjoy what you are seeing, please be respectful of the people.

To read in Spanish click here