After two years of absence, the petal shower of Easter returns in Mineral del Chico

For a little over 140 years, thousands of flower petals have been enveloping the space of the parish of La Purísima Concepción, this is the “rain” that occurs on Easter Sunday in Mineral del Chico, Hidalgo.

After two years of being interrupted by the sanitary conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the local authorities of the magic town announced that on April 17, tourists and locals will be able to witness the rain of colors formed by a wave of rose petals.

For this purpose, the use of one and a half tons of multicolored petals is contemplated. Tradition is of great importance not only for believers but also for the inhabitants of Mineral del Chico in general, as the event results in an economic outpouring given the tourist activity of thousands of people who come to the place to witness the event. In fact, this year, the authorities estimate the participation of 4 thousand people in the event.

According to the villagers, this tradition arose after a man prayed that his son, who was about to die, would be saved. In return, the father of the dying man promised Jesus that he would flood his church with roses every Easter Sunday.

The story told by the villagers points to the possible origin of the tradition that occurs year after year and in which flower growers from the communities of Capula, El Puente, Estanzuelas and Carboneras participate.

The scene becomes almost divine, as it is accompanied by the singing of the parishioners and the ringing of the bells that celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, which is why it has become one of the most attractive events during Holy Week.

Prior to the completion of the ritual, two days earlier, as is the tradition in various parts of Mexico, the Viacrucis is held: a symbolic representation in which believers follow the journey that, according to the Catholic religion, they traveled before being crucified.

The Mineral del Chico authorities detailed that the event will take place after the traditional mass that is scheduled for 13:00 hours. Once the religious ritual is over, there will be a representation of Judas, who according to religious belief, was the character who betrayed Jesus.

According to tradition, the figurine representing this character is burned in the village. At the same time, there is a parade in which a crowd of people dress up and dance.

The region is characterized by its mountainous landscape, valleys and dams. Due to its cultural importance, in 2011 it was incorporated into the Magic Towns program. Its foundation was due to the discovery of some mines in the vicinity of Atotonilco el Grande.

In addition to the traditional ceremony, you can also do activities such as visiting the Artisan's House, the Llano Grande, the Valley of Lovers or the mining museum, as well as enjoying the gastronomic variety of the region: barbecue, pastries, and scales, since April is a good season to meet them.

For those who prefer outdoor activities there are options such as hiking, ziplining, fishing or visiting the Carboneras Recreational Ecological Park. The region is 50 minutes from Pachuca; 2 hours from CDMX and 3 hours from Querétaro. It is located in the center of the state of Hidalgo in the Sierra de Pachuca.

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