Rain, thunder, and plenty of man-made commotion are the hallmarks of traditional festivities that liven up life in various lakeside communities throughout the month of June.

First up are the celebrations honoring Saint Anthony of Padua, patron saint of San Antonio Tlayacapan, which run daily from June 3 to 14.

Although sudden cloudbursts can occur at any time over the next few weeks, villagers traditionally consider June 13—the actual Feast Day of San Antonio—as the official start of the summer rainy season.

Each day of the nine-day novenario begins at dawn with pealing church bells and booming sky rockets, followed by a 6:30 a.m. Rosary service at the parish church. Mass is celebrated there at noon and again at 7 p.m.

The faithful gather at the church atrium around 6:20 p.m. each evening (5 p.m. on the final day) to set out on processions through the streets. These parades often include ritual dancers in vibrant indigenous costumes, one or more marching bands, and decorated floats depicting St. Anthony’s significance in church history.

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