FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS

San Cristobal?s main religious celebrations take place during Holy Week, when you can witness the traditional Via Crucis procession and attend a fair held to mark the beginning of Easter. In November and December, the city hosts the Antorcha Guadalupana race, which draws young pilgrims who travel in groups to Mexico City, Oaxaca or Guatemala and then return to San Cristobal running with a lit torch to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. Another important festivity that takes place in San Cristobal?s surrounding areas is the Carnival of San Juan Chamula, which is held in February and March. During this celebration you?ll see parades, Mass ceremonies and cleansing rituals, such as people walking over hot coals.