Nochistlán

The oldest tradition in Nochistlán is la fiesta del Papaqui or translated, 'the party of el Papaqui'. This is celebrated every year from January 12 to January 20. El Papaqui is a celebration in which the whole town honors and venerates St. Sebastian. He is a very important figure to those who live or are from Nochistlán. During these eight days, everyone walking in the plaza has their face covered with flour, and people crack colored eggs filled with confetti over others' heads; they also throw oranges. These actions symbolize what was going on during the war between the Natives and Spanish. The flour symbolizes the dirt people would put on their faces to create a more savage look. The fiesta is not solely or predominantly about war; its main objective is to celebrate San Sebastián, the saint most admired in that pueblo.[3]

Another tradition Nochistlán is famous for is their tradition of every Sunday night. Every Sunday night, people gather in the plaza or, el Jardín of Nochistlán for la Serenata ('the serenade'). The men of the town form a circle around the plaza while women walk inside the circle. As the women walk inside the circle, if a man finds a woman attractive, in the original tradition, he would give her a Gardenia flower. In most recent, modern tradition, a man puts confetti over the woman's hair, or hollowed- out eggs with confetti inside, instead. A further circle is formed within the inner circle, for children and married women, where they too may go to partake in having the confetti strewn over them. In this way it is made clear to the men which women are married or in a relationship. The Gardenia flower (recent tradition, modern tradition, the colorful confetti) symbolizes the beauty of the woman just as flowers (recent tradition, modern tradition, colors) are beautiful. This tradition originally began to honor women and moreover, to make them feel appreciated by men.

The Virgin of Toyahua is a respected figure in Nochistlán because she is known to grant miracles. Most of the residents of Nochistlán pray to her when they are in need of a marvel. Although Nochistlán is small in size, it is big in religion. The feast of October are religious parties to honor St. Francis of Assisi that are celebrated on the second and third weekend of October and the first weekend of November. During these parties, people gather in the plaza to enjoy music from many bands and mariachi groups. Aside from the music, even though the feast is meant for religious events, it's just a big party with very famous bandas come and perform the parties will last from early 8:00 p.m. and sometimes carry on until 5:00 a.m. all the women in the town come together to make food for those participating in the celebration. The festivities also consist of authentic dances, horse races, and rooster tournaments.[4]

Nochistlán is twinned with:

• Guadalajara, Mexico[5]