More than 400 horsemen rode through Tlacotalpan to start the Candelaria festivities

Veracruz, Ver., With a cavalcade of more than 400 horsemen, the festivities of the Virgin of Candelaria began in the municipality of Tlacotalpan, known as the Pearl of Papaloapan.

The inhabitants and visitors of this town, declared a cultural heritage of humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in December 1998, gathered to celebrate the 249th edition of one of the most traditional celebrations in the state.

During the parade, the flag bearers wore the jarocha costume, made by hand, while the riders wore guayaberas and traditional white outfits, symbols of elegance, the cultural heritage of Tlacotalpan and the craftsmanship passed down from generation to generation.

The authorities announced that there will be more than 600 cultural, religious, gastronomic and popular activities that will be offered from January 31 to February 9, with which they seek to promote and disseminate the Jarocha culture.

The town founded on the side of the Papaloapan River will host the National Meeting of Soneros and Versadores, as well as son jarocho workshops, painting exhibitions, book presentations, talks and conservatories, among a dozen other activities.

“The celebration also has its roots in the tradition of the mayorales of the haciendas of the Papaloapan region, who carried out pilgrimages on horseback to pay tribute to the Virgin of Candelaria,” said the government of Veracruz.

Among the activities included in the Virgen de la Candelaria festivities, one that stands out and attracts attention year after year is the so-called bull dam, where the Tlacotalpan cowboys force some cattle to cross the river, to later release them freely in the city.

During the release of bulls, people chase and provoke them, in previous years even injuring the animal, so the authorities have had to implement strategies to protect them.

This year, the government of Veracruz announced sanctions and fines that reach up to 20 thousand pesos and 72 hours of arrest for those who fail to comply with the regulations designed for the protection of bulls.