Following is a list of the major holidays in the City of Oaxaca of most interest to visitors. The rural festivals are listed elsewhere on the website under the name of each town. End of the Christmas holidays and the day that children are given their gifts. Whoever gets one of the little dolls has to throw a party on February 2nd. Stands in the Abastos market sell the little crowns, robes and accessories and clothe the images.
Many different models are available, and the array of finery is impressive.
Flexible date, starting with Palm Sunday when woven crosses to protect homes and belongings are sold in the markets, plazas and in front of churches. On Good Friday the Passion and Crucifixion are acted out with holy images or live actors. On Easter Sunday the Resurrection is celebrated with masses at midnight Saturday and at six on Sunday morning. Birthday of Benito Ju rez , the Zapotec Indian President of Mexico born in Guelatao, a national holiday. University of Oaxaca students dress up and play tricks as they dance through the streets, and small crosses are placed on buildings under construction.