The Bucerías Patron Saint Festivities Begin in the Riviera Nayarit

Bucerías will celebrate Our Lady of Peace from January 16-24, 2014; the cultural and artistic activities will take place on Avenida México and calle Guerrero as the plaza is under construction.

The Bucerías Patron Saint Festival in honor of Our Lady of Peace has begun, a yearly celebration that reaffirms the region’s faith. Religious tourism to the Riviera Nayarit attracts both locals and tourists, who come to enjoy the traditional festivities.

From January 16-24 local visitors and tourists come together to enjoy the religious, cultural, artistic and sports attractions of Bucerías. The festival kicked off with a float parade and the coronation of the festival queen.

The religious celebration includes several pilgrimages to some 18 villages around Bucerías.

The Misa de Mañanitas and the Misa de Alba (Daybreak Mass) will be held every morning at 5 a.m., with a Rosary at 5 p.m. along with a flower offering, followed by the arrival of the pilgrims and another Mass.

As with every year, there are special events: the first day they received the Lady’s Torch, organized by Rosalina Ávalos; baptisms took place on Sunday the 19^th; and, on the last day, the Men’s Torch will be received, organized by Domingo Ávalos.

There will be 12 straight hours of celebration on January 24^th, starting with the Mañanitas sung to the Virgin and her Misa de Alba. Mid morning, the amazing pilgrimage of the Cruz de Huanacaxtle will arrive by sea as well as by land, courtesy of the Mexican cowboys, or charros.

At noon a Concelebrated Mass will take place, presided by Bishop Luis Artemio along with other local priests, followed by a local gathering. That afternoon, another Mass will be held and in the evening the traditional fireworks will light up the night.

Because the Plaza de Bucerías is still under construction, the cultural and artistic activities will take place in front of the Church along Avenida México at the calle Guerrero cross street, where a stage has been built.

The shows begin every night at 8 p.m. sharp and include folk dancing, Polynesian and African dances, music groups, bands and mariachi, concluding with a presentation of the Nayar folkloric ballet, Mexcatitlán Folkoric ballet and the junio mariachi.

A duathlon will take place on the morning of the 24^th, as well as beach volleyball tournaments. A charreada, or Mexican rodeo, will take place on the Corona Esplanade on the 19^th and the 24^th.