San Pedro Apóstol, Cuajimalpa

The town of San Pedro Cuajimalpa is built around the Parish of San Pedro Apóstol church, the oldest in Cuajimalpa. Founded in the 16th century, the  current building was begun in 1628 and only finished in 1925. A Neoclassical frieze caps a facade mostly covered in red tezontle stone and two bell towers still call the faithful to mass. Inside there’s a single nave and multiple oil paintings and images of the saints, and in particular, St. Peter.

With the completion of the church in the 1920s, the surrounding cemetery was also closed to new interments.

Carnaval

One of the biggest Carnaval celebrations in Mexico City, in San Pedro Cuajimalpa festivities begin on the Saturday prior to Ash Wednesday. A group of men called “Huehuenches” dress as women and in other costumes perform a dance related to those that originated in parts of Magdalena Contreras. The performance has taken place for more than 70 years.

Fireworks are set off early, and by afternoon, musicians arrive. This is when the giant flower covered decorations are placed over and around the main entrance to the church and on the interior niches of the saints. There is generally an accompanying fair outside on the plaza.

By Sunday, there will be Chinelo, Arriero and Conchero dancers, and still more musicians. The result is a pretty significant procession. The fair will last through Tuesday evening.