A uniquely Oaxacan day of hospitality
Every year in Oaxaca, a special day arrives when the whole community comes together to share refreshing drinks and warm hospitality. This day is known as Día de la Samaritana (Day of the Samaritan Woman), and it is a beloved local tradition found only in the state of Oaxaca. Based on a biblical story of offering water to the thirsty, the celebration centers around giving away free agua fresca – flavorful fresh fruit beverages – to anyone who passes by, symbolizing friendship, faith, and generosity. Both residents and visitors look forward to this festive occasion, which fills the streets with color, kindness, and the sweet aromas of fruit drinks.
Día de la Samaritana has its roots in Catholic tradition and dates back to the late 19th century in Oaxaca City, when local churches began reenacting the Gospel story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well. Over time, the practice spread beyond church atriums to include homes, businesses, schools, and marketplaces across the city. Today, it is a lively public celebration where Oaxacans of all ages offer and enjoy cool drinks together. If you’re traveling in Oaxaca during this time, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the region’s famed hospitality firsthand.
When is Día de la Samaritana celebrated?
Día de la Samaritana is celebrated on the fourth Friday of Lent each year. This timing places it roughly three weeks before Good Friday, usually falling in March. For example, in 2024 it was observed on March 8, and in 2025 it took place on March 28. The date changes annually based on the liturgical calendar, but it is always that fourth Lenten Friday. On that day, starting around midday, the tradition unfolds throughout Oaxaca. In local Spanish the occasion is often called Viernes de Samaritana (“Samaritan Friday”), and everyone from city officials to schoolchildren prepares to take part.
The festivities customarily begin at around noon (12:00 p.m.) on Samaritan Friday. Many Oaxaqueños spend the morning setting up their agua fresca stands, often just outside their workplaces, homes, or community centers. Once the clock strikes 12, bell chimes or even a blessing ceremony may signal the start. From that moment on, the sharing of aguas frescas is in full swing, continuing through the afternoon. By early evening, most of the activity winds down as the supply of drinks runs out and the community moves into a relaxed evening after the day’s cheerful bustle.
Where does the celebration take place?
Día de la Samaritana is celebrated throughout the city of Oaxaca and in many neighboring towns, but certain spots are known for especially vibrant festivities. In the historic center of Oaxaca City, you will find dozens of beautifully decorated drink stations along the pedestrian street called the Andador Turístico (Macedonio Alcalá walkway). One focal point is in front of the Templo de la Preciosa Sangre de Cristo, where the municipal government helps organize an event – women dressed in the elegant traditional attire of the chinas oaxaqueñas hand out agua fresca from big clay pitchers under an arch of bougainvillea flowers and palm fronds. This location in the heart of downtown draws crowds of locals and tourists alike. It’s also where you can witness the formal blessing of the waters at noon before everyone is invited to enjoy a taste.
Beyond the city center, many other venues take part. Virtually every neighborhood church in Oaxaca sets up a table in its atrium or just outside its doors to offer drinks, continuing the tradition’s origin in parish courtyards. For instance, the historic churches of La Merced and San Francisco—among the first to hold the Samaritana in the 1800s—still honor the custom. In the picturesque barrios like Xochimilco and Jalatlaco, community organizations host lively block gatherings with multiple stands; in Xochimilco, residents converge on streets like Santo Tomás and José López Alavez to share waters, traditional ice creams, and regional candies. Public parks become hubs too: at Paseo Juárez “El Llano” and the central zócalo plaza, you’ll find many stands and families relaxing under the shade as they sip their drinks. Even the bustling markets join in – vendors at Mercado Benito Juárez, Mercado 20 de Noviembre, and the huge Central de Abasto market give out flavored waters to shoppers, keeping this cherished practice alive in every corner of the city.
What to expect: tradition and treats
On Día de la Samaritana, the cityscape is transformed with color and conviviality. You’ll see doorways and sidewalks adorned with archways of fresh flowers, palm leaves, and crepe paper in purple and white. Under these improvised canopies, large clay ollas brimming with brightly colored aguas frescas take center stage. Many stands recreate the idea of the biblical well – some even construct a little “well” decoration or have posters explaining the Good Samaritan story. At a few locations, live actors might reenact the encounter of Jesus and the Samaritan woman, adding a touch of theatre to the day. But the main attraction is always the same: the refreshing drinks being freely given to all.
As you wander from stand to stand, you can sample a variety of traditional Oaxacan beverage flavors. These aguas frescas are made with local fruits, seeds, and flowers, often following recipes passed down through generations. Typical flavors include horchata de arroz, agua de jamaica, tamarindo, chilacayota, and seasonal fruits like pineapple or tuna. You might also encounter tejate, a unique pre-Hispanic maize and cacao beverage served from ornate painted gourds. In addition to drinks, some hosts hand out cups of nieves – traditional water-based ice creams in flavors like burnt milk or tropical fruits – and occasionally homemade candies, so you get to taste a bit of everything sweet that Oaxaca offers.
Tips for travelers
- Plan your route: Head to the Andador Turístico by late morning to catch the main event by the Preciosa Sangre de Cristo temple at noon. Afterwards, explore the zócalo or neighborhoods like Xochimilco for a more local vibe.
- Bring your own cup: Many stands encourage eco-friendly practices; bring a reusable container or a jícara to help reduce waste.
- Stay hydrated and protected: Wear a hat, use sunscreen, and bring water to balance the sweetness of the aguas frescas.
- Join respectfully: If a prayer or blessing is happening, observe quietly until it’s finished. Always say “gracias” with a smile.
- Try multiple flavors: Ask for small portions so you can sample a range of drinks and enjoy discovering your favorite.
- Take photos politely: Ask permission before photographing people, especially those serving at the stands.
Disclaimer: Dates and participating locations may vary slightly each year. Always verify with local sources before attending to confirm timing and key venues for that year’s celebration.
