Velas istmeñas

ve

Mexico is rich in flora and fauna, its friendly people and is

characterized in the world for its great cultural diversity, this
mosaic highlight the traditions and customs of their people.
The state of Oaxaca is a clear example of the cultural wealth
existing in our country, and in the month of May it opens its
doors to make way for the celebration of the Isthmian
candles.
The Oaxacan poet Andrés Henestrosa commented on this
festivity: "The candles are the survivals of ancient
celebrations of the Indians, connected with the
fundamental tasks of man: hunting, fishing and agriculture,
to which the Spaniards had the desire to give a Christian
content. , a common thing wherever the conquerors
encountered this type of religious festivities.

But it can be said that the candles are on the outside

Spanish and inside Indian. In other words, they have the
white and coppery skin of the pulp ...
The Isthmian candles, considered one of the most deeply
rooted traditions in Oaxaca, are the main festivals and are
celebrated throughout the region, where the Zapotec,
Chontal, Huave, Zoque, Mixe, Mixtec and Chinantec peoples
live. With this mixture of cultures, the most colorful dances
that characterize the "Velas" flourish

The celebration is done in honor of the patron saints of

families, groups or trades and places; its pre-Hispanic origin
has been highlighted, in particular the relationship with the
cult of the ancestors. Likewise, the agricultural background
has been considered, since its celebration corresponds to
the beginning of the corn cult and the entry of the first rains
At this time of year is where the tradition of the Isthmian
Candles is strongest, each neighborhood of the
communities shows off its distinctive candle, to name a few,
remember those of San Lucas, San Juan, San Marcos and
San Mateo.

May is the month of candles, "they say; however, it is also

carried out in other months of the year, especially in the
days of the patron saints. What is a fact is that it has certain
ritual steps that present few variations.
In Tehuantepec, there is the charge of xuaana which is
understood as "the one who has the power in the hand",
"the one who commands", "the owner of the customs" or
"the one who moves the world.
Other positions within the Vela party, in addition to the
principal ones, butlers, captains and godparents; they are
the one from Gussana, "organizer of the parties" who acts
as the host and the one as the chagola, "matchmaker", who
is the official animator of the celebration.

The majority of the positions count on their masculine and

feminine part; for example: there is gussana, you also have
gussana gola, "the great hostess"; This position is one of the
most valued and key in the organization of the candles.
Similarly, the organization of the candles is the
responsibility of companies, known as "candle societies
The Festival of Candles, usually opens two days before the
big festival with the calendula, which consists of a tour of
the main streets of the City; This tour has its beginning in
the house of the mayordomos or sometimes in a room of
the parish. During the tour, the women wear their regional
costume, accompanied by the music bands, who play
popular songs; there is also burning of rockets and toritos;
besides banners and flowers. The remaining days of the
celebration are given fruits and sweets, in the route of the
floats.
On the main day the mañanitas dedicated to the saint are
sung, at midday the mass is celebrated and then the
procession begins, which begins at the church and ends at
the house of the mayordomo
To deliver the stewardship, this takes place during the
party; before the patron saint, freighters, authorities,
relatives, friends and guests. The delivery is represented by
a candle decorated with flowers. The celebration ends with
the washing of the pot, it is at this moment where the
reheating is shared, as well as drinking with the people
closest to you.

Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca

Benito Juarez Autonomous University
of Oaxaca.
Preparatory number 3

Students:
*Aleida Nicolas Torres
* María del Carmen Bravo Aguilar
*María Fernanda Lucero
Hernández

Third “H”

Draft: Candles Itsmeñas

Subject:
English