Annually on the 20th of January
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The altar of the cofradía San Sebastian y San Fabian, Izalco, El Salvador. Majordomo Carlos Dias is at right. The statues include Pope Marcellus, San Sebastian, San Fabian, and San Marcos, along with the crucifix. -
Majordomo Carlos Dias holds the staff that symbolizes his leadership of the cofradía San Sebastian y San Fabian, Izalco, El Salvador. -
Family pictures also complement the room for the cofradía San Sebastian y San Fabian, Izalco, El Salvador. -
First stages of construction for the "throne" for the feast of San Sebastian and San Fabian, Izalco, El Salvador -
Entry to the home of majordomo Carlos Dias and the cofradía San Sebastian y San Fabian, Izalco, El Salvador: The majordomo or majordoma signs a contract to house the statues for a fixed period of time and organizes the festivities.
San Sebastian y San Fabian festivities are celebrated from January 19-21. Everyone in the neighborhood is expected to contribute to the cost of the festivities. Cofradía members walk the streets in costume to collect the funds, serenading the barrio with music and offering a festive atmosphere. These funds not only enable the construction of a “throne” for the patron saints’ statues, but also enable visitors to the “throne” to all be given coffee, bread and tamales. The festivities include a Mass, a procession through that section of town, time for prayer, and great celebrations into the night, including fireworks.
Audio
Listen to an interview with Carlos Dias, majordomo of the Cofradía San Sebastian y San Fabian.
Audio file