LA MERCED NEIGHBORHOOD
The neighborhood arose around 1537 and was established by the Mercedarios friars who founded the first convent of the city there. Our Lady of La Merced is the virgin venerated in this neighborhood. She is celebrated on September 24 with great enthusiasm.
There is a parade of floats always preceded by groups of clowns and people in costume.
The amazing vestry still preserves one of the buildings original vestiges, a Roman arch supported by a pillar, decorated with handmade floral motifs and reliefs that represent the sun and the moon.
Traditional craftsmanship in this barrio include candle making, tinsmitheryand restoration of religious statues.
There is a parade of floats always preceded by groups of clowns and people in costume.
The amazing vestry still preserves one of the buildings original vestiges, a Roman arch supported by a pillar, decorated with handmade floral motifs and reliefs that represent the sun and the moon.
Traditional craftsmanship in this barrio include candle making, tinsmitheryand restoration of religious statues.
TRADITIONS
The temple is dedicated to the Merciful Virgin and Just Judge.
The traditionally flamboyant festival is celebrated on September 24th, on which day there is a dance of the Moors and Christians, which forms a colorful parade. A troupe of masked dancers attends allegoric floats ornamented in various styles. |
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CRAFTS AND FOLK ART IN LA MERCED NEIGHBORHOOD
This neighborhood is distinguished for the elaboration of candleholders and decorative candles which are used during the various festivals throughout the city. They are all made entirely by hand with waxes and paraffin of various colors and decorations, including flowers. Many of the designs created in wax are similar to patterns of traditional textiles. Some of the craftspeople recognized in Barrio La Merced are:
· Alicia Trejo Flores. Trade: candle-maker. Works in the elaboration of all kinds of candles for decoration, festivals, and of various colors and aromas. Aged 41 years with 10 years in the trade and of the first generation of craftspeople in her family.
· Luz Elena Castro Luna. Trade: candle-maker. Works in the elaboration flowered candles for sale to the public of various colors and sizes. Aged 88 years with 73 years in the trade and of the second generation of craftspeople in her family.
· Alicia Trejo Flores. Trade: candle-maker. Works in the elaboration of all kinds of candles for decoration, festivals, and of various colors and aromas. Aged 41 years with 10 years in the trade and of the first generation of craftspeople in her family.
· Luz Elena Castro Luna. Trade: candle-maker. Works in the elaboration flowered candles for sale to the public of various colors and sizes. Aged 88 years with 73 years in the trade and of the second generation of craftspeople in her family.
To see a photo album of the process to elaborate artisan candles visit this photo album made by Luis Alberto Estrada.