The Fiesta de Santa Cecilia takes place each year on November 22nd and is celebrated in cities and towns throughout Mexico. The festival pays tribute to Santa Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. In Mexico City mariachis and jarochos from as far away as Veracruz gather in Plaza Garibaldi for three days of live music and cultural events, and each year the Fiestas de Santa Cecilia attracts huge crowds to the plaza.
During the festival a stage is set up in the center of Plaza Garibaldi and decorated with colorful papel picado. The statue of Saint Cecilia that’s normally housed in a glass case in the center of the plaza (near the entrance to the Tequila museum) is removed from its case, decorated in flowers and placed on stage alongside the musicians.
Toward the rear of the plaza there’s a small carnival with rides, games and food stands serving up all kinds of festival favorites like buñuelos, sweet breads and micheladas — although judging by the empty seats at many of the stands this past Tuesday, it seemed that most people had come for the music. This particular mariachi group was a crowd favorite and made up almost entirely of women.
If you’re planning to be in Mexico City you won’t want to miss an evening out at Plaza Garibaldi. The plaza’s especially popular on weekends and crowded year round. It’s well worth a visit, even if you can’t be here during the festival. Before you travel make sure to compare airlines to find the best travel deals and cheap flights.
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving, enjoy the long holiday weekend!
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I love all the papel picado