The celebrations of the Virgin of Solitude are taking place this weekend, wrapping up nine days of prayer and calendas.
Festivities began on Friday, but devotees have been holding a novenario since Dec. 7. The novenario, or, nine days of rosaries, were dedicated “to our most holy mother, the Virgin of Solitude, patron saint of Puerto Escondido and fishermen; today we gave it more life by touching the hearts of the businesses,” said a representative of the committee organizing the patron saint festival about a new initiative which was joined by about ten local businesses.
He explained that the most important activities began Friday afternoon with a convite, or banquet, followed by a solemn Mass and a celebratory calenda or parade through the main streets of town.
On Saturday there are two important liturgical ceremonies, lunch with benefactors, collaborators and authorities, and at night all gather at the Agencia Municipal to enjoy a cultural program prior to the burning of a pyrotechnic castillo, or castle.
The festivity continues on Sunday with the Mañanitas a la Virgen and Mass; devotees and authorities then walk through the streets, leading to the traditional community meal. “It is there where we consume the fish that was caught in the fishing tournament . . . everyone is invited,” the committee representative said.
Some 1,200 guests are expected to taste two fish dishes prepared by fifth semester gastronomy students at Conalep 158: fillet enchipotlado and fillet in white sauce.
In the afternoon the seagoing pilgrimage of a statue of the Virgin takes place, while in Bahía Principal a cultural program will be offered, leading up to a Mass dedicated to the fishermen.
Twenty fishing cooperatives are registered for the event. One boat will carry the statue of the Virgin, one carries the girl who represents her, others carry the band, a group of nuns and parents, and in other boats as many people as can go.
The procession will travel to La Punta and back.
With reports by NVI Noticias
