– Faith and culture came together in colonia Constitución
By Delia Ruelas
From September 27 to 30, the Purépecha community of Colonia Constitución held its annual patronal festivities in honor of San Jerónimo, blending faith, music, food, and tradition in a vibrant celebration that drew both locals and visitors.
The highlight took place on Tuesday, September 30 at 1:00 p.m., when Archbishop Francisco Moreno Barrón presided over a solemn Mass at the community chapel. Despite his ongoing battle with cancer, the Archbishop made the trip as a gesture of affection and respect toward the Purépecha families who have called Rosarito home for more than three decades.
After the Mass, the celebration continued at the community court, where attendees enjoyed traditional Purépecha cuisine, folkloric dances, live music, and cultural displays.
Community representative Lázaro Guzmán Aparicio expressed pride in the celebration: “Through these traditions we pass on a cultural heritage to our children and grandchildren. Even after so many years in Rosarito, we have not lost our roots—it is part of who we are.”
Challenges and calls for support
Although the festivities were joyful, community leaders also highlighted ongoing challenges. Guzmán noted that Purépecha families still lack dedicated government support to preserve their language, maintain traditions, and strengthen public safety in Colonia Constitución. He added that traditional trades such as piñata-making, once practiced by 90 % of the community, are now kept alive by only about 20 %.
A community that thrives in Baja California
Today, around 250 families—nearly 2,000 people—form the Purépecha community in Rosarito, making it one of the largest settlements of Purépechas outside of Michoacán. Over the years they have built their own chapel, schools, and community spaces, ensuring their culture remains vibrant in Baja California.
The San Jerónimo festivities once again demonstrated that their traditions remain strong, offering a colorful reminder of the richness of Mexico’s indigenous heritage right here in Rosarito.
