During the first week of July the Zapotec village of Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico celebrates the Precious Blood of Christ fiesta. This year El Grupo Promesa 2010-2012 danced for the first time. This group is made up of thirty-seven participants. This is most likely the first time in nearly forty years that the dance has been focused on the conquest of Cortez over Moctezuma. This group made their first appearance on July 5th when they participated in the convite and calenda. The convite was made up of nearly three hundred women carrying baskets with images of the saints on their heads.
The day of the actual fiesta took place on July 7th. Once again all of the activities were repeated with the octava on July 9th. An unusual amount of rain fell this year, however the fiesta went on. A castillo (firework tower) along with toros (bulls) were part of the festivities on Tuesday and Saturday evening. Overall, despite the rain, the fiesta was a true testimonial of the faith and devotion of this Zapotec village.