Feast of the Lord of Mercy (Erongarícuaro)

The Great January Festival: Faith, Dance and Purépecha Pride

In the picturesque town of Erongarícuaro (“Place of Waiting”), the year begins with its most important celebration: the Patron Saint Festival in honor of the Lord of Mercy. This event brings the community together with a fervor that overflows into the streets, blending religious solemnity with an explosion of color and tradition.

📅 When is it celebrated? The big party takes place from January 6-12. It is a direct continuation of the Three Kings Day celebrations, but focused on the venerated image of Christ.

The Identity Parade: Traditional Clothing An essential and moving element of this celebration is the presence of Purépecha women wearing their Formal Dress. During the processions and masses, the streets become a river of vibrant colors thanks to their attire:

• The Huanengo: Observe the mastery of the embroidered blouses (huanengos) in cross stitch, full of flowers and bright fretwork.

• The Roll and the Apron: They proudly wear the roll (the heavy pleated wool skirt) held up with woven sashes, and richly decorated lace or satin aprons.

• The Rebozo: The finishing touch is the rebozo, often made of silk or fine cotton, which completes the image of elegance and respect for the patron saint's festival. It is the time of year when the feminine identity of the town shines in its full splendor.

The Heart of the Festival The local church (the historic Temple of the Assumption) becomes the epicenter. Here, the image of the Lord of Mercy is venerated, a highly miraculous Christ figure to whom pilgrims from all over the riverbank come.

• Processions: Families, dressed in their finest clothes, accompany the religious images, creating an atmosphere of deep devotion.

Dance and Joy The Dance of the Old Men, the soul of the festival, is a must. The dancers stomp their feet vigorously in the atrium to honor the patron saint, accompanied by wind music.

• Fair: Around the plaza, a fair is set up selling local crafts (textiles and furniture) and typical food: corundas, churipo and atole de grano.

Location: Erongarícuaro (25 minutes from Pátzcuaro).