As he arrived at the monastery of Saint Sebastian the mule fell and resisted all efforts to get it on its feet.
Authorities were sent for and the mysterious box was opened, emitting a strong smell of gardenias. Inside was an image of the Virgin and a wooden icon of Christ.
A miracle was proclaimed and a temple dedicated to the Virgin of Soledad was erected at the site of the mule's demise. (You can visit the newly-restored Basilica of Soledad and its adjoining museum in the city of Oaxaca on Avenida Independencia).
Puerto celebrates its patrona in three days of traditional festivities
including religious observances, processions (including the elaborate
calenda on Dec 16), fireworks and dances.
The fireworks display is known as a castillo, "castle," but actually it's a tower built of cane and bamboo and affixed with rockets and spinning wheels to create a fabulous show of choreographed pyrotechnic magic.
Before the castillo is lit, los toritos ("little bulls") run amok. Young men place these structures, -- most commonly in the form of a bull -- on their head and run around chasing the observers in a terrifying blaze of spinning lights and loud explosions.
The castillo always is held on the veispera, or evening before the feast day, in this case Dec. 17.
But the unique observance here takes place on Dec. 18, with the Salida al Mar, the trip out to sea. This acknowledges the importance of the ocean and fishing to the town.
At about 4 p.m., the statue of La Soledad is taken from its niche in the church and, led by a brass band and folkloric groups it is carried through the streets of town followed by throngs of parishioners.
She is led down to the beach were she is placed in a fishing boat and,
along with the band and as many of the faithful who can crowd into the
available fishing launches, the Virgin is taken out to sea to the
accompaniment of music, singing and the explosion of rockets.
The water caravan stays out for about an hour and a half and then La Soledad is carried back to the church which is named for her. The day normally concludes with a free dance at the Town Hall Esplanade.