Oaxaca’s Sacred Spring: Lenten Traditions and the Feria del Tejate

While Mexico City and Monterrey vibrate with the sound of modern festivals, Oaxaca offers a more intimate, spiritual, and sensory-driven experience during March 2026. This period is defined by the Lenten calendar, bringing to life traditions that are found nowhere else in the world. From the generosity of a free drink in the city center to the ancestral foam of a pre-Hispanic beverage, Oaxaca in March is a journey through faith, flavor, and community, and one that can also be explored at a deeper pace through thoughtfully designed itineraries that include the city and its surrounding cultural landmarks.

Día de la Samaritana: A Citywide Gesture of Hospitality

On Friday, March 13, 2026, the fourth Friday of Lent, Oaxaca City transforms into a massive open-air celebration of generosity known as Día de la Samaritana.

• The Tradition: Inspired by the biblical passage where a Samaritan woman offers water to Jesus at Jacob’s Well, local businesses, churches, schools, and private homes set up elaborately decorated stands.
• The Experience: Starting around 12:00 PM, anyone walking the streets is offered free aguas frescas (traditional fruit waters).
• The Flavors: You can sample a variety of iconic Oaxacan beverages, including chilacayote (a squash-based drink with piloncillo and cinnamon), horchata with tuna (cactus fruit), and jamaica (hibiscus).
• Sustainability Tip: Visitors are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups to minimize the environmental impact of the thousands of drinks served throughout the day.

Martes de Brujas: Nightly Traditions in Xoxocotlán

In the nearby community of Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán, every Tuesday during Lent is celebrated as a Martes de Brujas (Witches’ Tuesday). For 2026, the March dates are March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31.

• Historical Roots: Legend says that during the construction of the local 16th-century church, women would bring tamales and atole to the workers at night, guided by the flickering light of “brujas” (traditional oil lamps).
• Modern Celebration: Today, the town plaza fills with the aroma of specialty tamales (such as mole, chepil, or sweet) and the sound of live music. The final Tuesday of March (March 31) typically serves as a grand closing event with major musical headliners and a vibrant community atmosphere.

Feria del Tejate: Celebrating the “Drink of the Gods”

On Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, the focus shifts to the village of San Andrés Huayápam for the annual Feria del Tejate.

• The Beverage: Tejate is a complex, frothy pre-Hispanic drink made from toasted maize, fermented cacao beans, mamey pits, and the essential rosita de cacao flower, which only grows in this specific microclimate.
• The Festival: Thousands gather in the village plaza to watch the “Tejateras” masterfully whip the liquid by hand to create its signature thick, white foam.
• Culinary Variety: Beyond the drink, visitors can enjoy tejate-flavored ice cream, nicuatole (corn-based jelly), and traditional tamales. The fair marks the official beginning of Semana Santa (Holy Week).

Viernes de Dolores: The Altars of Sorrows

On Friday, March 27, 2026, just before Palm Sunday, the city observes Viernes de Dolores. This day is marked by the creation of stunning “Altars of Sorrows” in churches and the atriums of private homes.

• Aesthetic Details: These altars are decorated with germinated wheat (representing the Eucharist), bitter oranges with gold leaf, and purple crepe paper.
• Public Access: Many families in the historic center open their doors to the public so that passersby can admire their traditional altars, often offering a small glass of agua de chilacayote in return.

Essential Travel Advice for Oaxaca in March

• Early Planning: Because the Feria del Tejate coincides with the start of the nationwide Semana Santa holidays, transportation to San Andrés Huayápam and hotel availability in Oaxaca City should be secured well in advance.
• Walking the City: Most Lenten activities, especially Día de la Samaritana, are best experienced on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated between your samples of aguas frescas.
• Respectful Photography: While these events are colorful and welcoming, many are deeply religious; always ask for permission before photographing private altars or participants in spiritual ceremonies.