Feria: Todos Santos Horse Races - Black & White

The Todos Santos horse race is a hundreds years old tradition taking place during All Saints Day. The population of the village is primarily indigenous people of Mayan descent. The horse race is a rite of passage for young men and it is considered an honor to participate. Because of the high cost of the celebration it is in large part paid for by the villager family members who have immigrated to America and send remittance money back home. These individuals frequently return to Todos Santos to participate in the race, which is often dangerous and bloody. The riders begin drinking home brewed alcohol days prior to the race and a huge party is given the eve before the event. After celebrating all night, the participants’ families take them home to feed and dress them, and the race begins that morning and lasts throughout the day.