Lakeside’s first extended religious celebration of 2020 got under way Monday, January 6 in Jocotepec, when civil authorities and trade guilds led an evening procession to the parish church for the renewal of a pledge of faith to the town’s spiritual patron, the Lord of the Mount.
Spiritual activities on subsequent dates begin daily with a 6 a.m. rosary service, picking up again at 6 p.m. for the procession preceding evening Mass.
The fiestas patronales culminate with the huge pilgrimage to be held on January 19. The image of El Señor del Monte will be carried out of the church at 4 p.m., for a parade around the center of town accompanied by hundreds of devoted followers. As manifestations of faith, some will make the long trek on their knees, others will walk along barefoot and blindfolded, and many will carry elaborately decorated candles.
Allegiance to the figure of the crucified Christ stems from a belief in divine intervention to alleviate lethal epidemics that struck in 1833, 1850 and 1918.
Secular happenings with appeal to local inhabitants and outside visitors include musical spectacles, mechanical rides, and dazzling fireworks going on most nights in the vicinity of the plaza. A sprawling commercial fair attracts consumers with an array of typical food, household goods, clothing, crafts, and other merchandise.