La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico - An Opening Celebration Parade on Sunday, April 24 will kick off "The Festival of the Patron Saint of La Cruz," a nine-day celebration in which the whole town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit participates.

The parade begins at 6:30 and winds through the village, ending at around 7:00 pm at the plaza, where the contestants for the 2016 Fiestas de Mayo Queen will be presented, bands will perform live music for dancing, and extensive food and drink options will be available for purchase.

This simple but beautiful nine-day celebration has its roots in the 16th century. The Catholic Church plays a central role in honoring the patron saint of La Cruz, 'La Santa Cruz,' who bestows her blessings on the village - and especially the fishermen - every year.

Each morning there is a procession to the church while the bells toll. In the evenings, another mass is celebrated. Afterwards, the streets are filled with stands that offer food, a carnival is set up in the village square, and the sky is painted with fireworks.

But every year, the most anticipated event of the Festival of the Patron Saint of La Cruz is the parade of the local fishermen's boats on May 3rd.

These boats set sail early in the morning, decorated with the celebration's signature three colors (pink, purple and blue) and displaying the Santa Cruz (Holy Cross). Later in the day they go back to church to attend mass.

Other not-to-be-missed events include "El Día del Niño" celebration on April 30th, featuring games, contests, and prizes for kids; and the May 1st crowning of the La Cruz Fiestas de Mayo Queen, who will be chosen from among 5 beautiful contestants and will reign over La Cruz for the next year. The judging starts at 9:00 pm.

There are many other festivities taking place during the nine-day celebration - like free concerts and dancing in the Plaza every night - so if you want to experience a little of our community's true Mexican culture, don't miss the Festival of the Patron Saint of La Cruz that's taking place in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle from the 24th of April to the 3rd of May.