"Release of the aerostatic balloons on September 16th"

The release of the aerostatic balloons on September 15th and 16th in San Andres Tuxtla is a great experience to go through. We celebrate in our own way the Independence of Mexico. This tradition from San Andres Tuxtla is nationally and internationally known. The sky is filled with giant balloons of different shapes and colors before the cheerful look of the residents and the amazement of the visitors.

The design of the balloons is the result of a wonderful crafsmanship. Several materials are used like tissue paper, paste, thread and needles. The designer’s creativity opens the way to a great number of shapes, ranging from the simple balloon to the more complicated star-shaped balloon whose name “ilamas” comes from its similarity with a fruit found in the region.

"La Mojiganga"

San Andres Apostle Festival

On the 30th of November, main day of the celebration, people get together in the church at 4:00 in the morning to show off the Patron Saint during the traditional aurora (this is the parade float decorated with flowers where a young girl, who stands in the center of it, represents the Virgen of Guadalupe). The parade float is pulled by a tractor and surrounded by mojigangas (giant puppets) y several bulls with horns made of plastic. People sing religious songs along the streets and finally congregate and eat tamales de carne (mashed corn and pork meat cooked in banana leaves), refried black beans and candy, and have a hot cornflour drink or coffee at the house where the aurora (parade float) left earlier.