Julio is the month when Huehuetenango and Esquipulas dress in gala to commemorate the patron saint parties Julias partiesin honor of the Virgen del Carmen and Santiago Apostle. Mass events are driven by The holiday granted due to civic, cultural and religious festivities.
Established in article 127 of the Labor Code and recognized in Guatemala, the holiday breaks apply to the headwaters of Huehuetenango and Chiquimula: the first will enjoy the holiday on July 16 by the celebration of the Virgen del Carmen, while the second will have it on July 25, in honor of the apostle Santiago.
With events such as concerts, mechanical games, parades and programmed religious activities, the municipalities extend for several days the commemoration of the Julias festivities, in homage to their cultural and social identity.
Recognized primarily in Huehuetenango, this celebration has a historical basis that dates back to October 15, 1878, under the government of former President Justo Rufino Barrios, when a presidential agreement was issued that formalized the Carmen Fair, according to information from the portal of the Municipality of Huehuetenango.
The celebration was recognized at the beginning as the Carmen Fair, to be held on July 16. “The chosen day is because it is the feast of the Virgen del Carmen, which is well known for devotion to the scapular. Free press.
According to municipal historical data, it was on September 10, 1892 when the celebration was transferred to December (from 5 to 8) in honor of the Virgen de Concepción, after the repeal of the previous agreement. However, on August 17, 1934, under the mandate of Jorge Ubico, the celebration was restored in July.
In the article Julias parties in Huehuetenango, Molina quotes Julio Mérida and her publication Huehuetenango. History. Geography. Culture. Tourism (1984), where it is detailed that, under the government of Ubico, “the celebration of the July Departmental Fair is authorized, which will be held in the city of Huehuetenango on the days of July 12 to 18 of each year.”
With the passage of time, the Julias festivities in that department are held from July 13 to 28 and have extended from the departmental head to other municipalities, always in honor of the Virgen del Carmen.
Between events such as processions and the folk dance of the Moors, this celebration unites the cultural mysticism of the region and congregates the society of Huehuetenango.
In the department of Chiquimula, this holiday extends from July 21 to 28 and is dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. In addition to highlighting the beauty of the municipality, tribute is paid to distinguished personalities in the region.