In Aguascalientes, August has a name of its own: the Virgin of the Assumption.
For fifteen days, the city is transformed with pilgrimages, processions, dances, music, and a tradition that culminates on the night of August 15 with the Romería. The celebration is considered one of the most important religious festivals of the Diocese of Aguascalientes.
But the Assumption is not a devotion exclusive to our city.
On August 15, communities in different states of Mexico celebrate the Virgin of the Assumption under this dedication, and each one does so according to its own customs.
In Mexico City, for example, the Metropolitan Cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. The temple’s first dedication to the Virgin in her glorious Assumption took place in 1556, and centuries later, the date of August 15 continued to be one of the central celebrations at the site.
In Puebla, there are also communities where the celebration has enormous popular participation. In San Pablo Zoquitlán, in the Sierra Negra, the celebration includes Mass, mayordomía, and the blessing of apples and rosemary, products that are later sold to help cover the expenses of the celebration.
In Oaxaca, the celebration on August 15 continues in various communities. In San Miguel Aloápam, for example, Masses, processions, fireworks, and the traditional Aztec dance are held.
In Veracruz, the celebration also takes different forms. In Ozuluama de Mascareñas, it is celebrated between August 14 and 15 with pilgrimages and dances, while in other communities the activities extend for several days.
And in Michoacán, the tradition takes on an even more distinctive character.
In Charapan, the Purépecha festival known as Naná Wárhi Agostu, which can be translated as “Our Lady of August,” is dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption. The INAH documents that the tradition dates back at least to the 18th century and combines processions, music, dances, and offerings with the agricultural cycle and the corn harvest.
In Tlaxcala, there are also ancient expressions of this devotion. In Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca, which should not be confused with Tlaxcala, the Virgin of the Assumption was traditionally celebrated as the patron saint on August 15, although over time the community’s main festival was moved to October.
And in Aguascalientes, the tradition took on a dimension of its own.
Here, the Virgin of the Assumption does not only have a festival: she forms part of the historical identity of the city.
The town founded in 1575 was given the name Our Lady of the Assumption of the Hot Springs, so the Marian dedication became linked to the very name of the settlement from its earliest years.
That is why the Romería cannot be understood simply as a parade.
It is the local expression of a Marian tradition that, over the centuries, has adapted to each town, region, and culture.
In Puebla, fruits are blessed.
In Oaxaca, people dance.
In Michoacán, faith and Purépecha tradition come together.
In Veracruz, people go on pilgrimages.
And in Aguascalientes, thousands of people take to the streets.
The Virgin is the same.
The way she is celebrated is what tells the story of each community.
Source: oem
