San Diego de Alcala He is the patron saint of the municipal seat, his festival is celebrated from November 11 to 17, whose main day is the 13th and on the 17th the zompopera is performed.
These festivities Marked by more than 200 years of tradition, they begin with the usual candle that takes place in one of the communities of the municipality, the night party is the prelude to Dieguito's pilgrimage. During the festival, corn atol, warm and blessed bread are distributed in San Diego de Alcalá.
On the 12th the top is held, the image of San Diego is taken to the Parish Church of Altagracia by the parishioners of the different regions, halfway through the meeting with the other image, which is carried out with Philharmonic band music and Dance of the Zompopo.
San Diego de Alcala
The distribution of drinks to the devotees is a necessary refreshment in the four-hour journey through the streets of Altagracia, then the image of San Diego remains one more night in vigil. The next day, the 13th, solemn mass is held in the Church of Altagracia.
La Dance of the Zompopo He leads the processions of San Diego to the sound of drums that mark the main rhythm of this traditional dance exclusive to this place.
The history of the origin of the Zompopo Dance is an element strictly rooted in the local religiosity. It is said that in the seventeenth century there was a plague of grasshoppers, (another popular version mentions that they were zompopos) that were destroying the crops.
After several days of festivities with masses and prayers, on November 16 the vigil is held in the atrium of the church, the culmination is on the 17th, when the fervor of the faithful is manifested with pleasure, joy and faith. They swell the procession, paying promises and shouting Viva San Diego de Alcalá!
Groups of promising dance around the image, like the traditional characters of the mule and little cow. The bombs and rockets are part of the hubbub in which the promisers wave their busy hands with reeds or branches that feature abundant green foliage. Some children and young people participate, dressed in the habit of the Franciscan brothers.
During these holidays the population is distracted with popular activities that include tasting typical foods, bullfights and various rides that end until the 23rd of the same month.
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