Experience the Burning of the Sierpe in Jala: Fire, Faith & Fiesta

Jala

June 26, 2025

Nukari

In the heart of Nayarit, every September, a flame ignites—not just in the sky, but in the collective memory of a town rich in history: Jala. The Burning of the Sierpe, held every September 8 in honor of the Virgin of the Nativity, is more than a festival—it’s a heartfelt expression of faith, tradition, and shared identity.

This celebration is rooted in an ancestral legend: a seven-headed serpent once threatened the town’s maize crops until the Virgin intervened to protect the people, marking their eternal gratitude. Since then, Jala recreates the creature’s symbolic defeat with fire, music, and heartfelt devotion.

As night falls, an artisan-crafted serpent is placed atop a hill or bell tower. Filled with fireworks, the Sierpe descends amidst bursts of light, sound, and awe—a truly immersive spectacle.

Once it reaches the ground, three symbolic “soldiers” finish the ritual by giving the mythical beast the final shot. This sequence, charged with symbolism, evokes both emotion and reverence. The past becomes present, and the town stands united under the glow of tradition.

A Celebration for All: What to Enjoy During the Festival

Live Music and Dancing 

Local bands bring vibrant rhythms to the streets. It's impossible not to join in the festive spirit. 

Nayarit Cuisine Rooted in Maize

Tamales, gorditas, atoles, and giant elotes—flavors of the land, celebrated in every bite.

Traditional Fair and Games 

Perfect for families. Rides, laughter, and joy for both kids and grown-ups.

Cultural Encounters 

From religious processions to artistic showcases, the local community shares its soul.

Tips to Make the Most of It

  • Arrive early: Secure a good viewing spot for the Sierpe’s descent.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: Walking the cobbled streets is part of the charm.
  • Prepare for the weather: September evenings can be rainy or cool.

Stay at the Heart of the Celebration

There’s nothing like resting in a place that honors local culture with elegance and calm. At Nukari Quinta Boutique, every detail is designed to make your stay as special as the celebration itself.

Located just steps from the town’s church and main square, Nukari offers colonial charm, personalized service, wellness experiences, and a peaceful atmosphere where you can reconnect with what matters most.

This September, immerse yourself in an authentic Mexican tradition without giving up comfort.

Book your stay in advance and be part of one of the most magical celebrations in Mexico, while you unwind in your ideal retreat: Nukari Quinta Boutique.

Jala

June 26, 2025

Nukari

In the heart of Nayarit, every September, a flame ignites—not just in the sky, but in the collective memory of a town rich in history: Jala. The Burning of the Sierpe, held every September 8 in honor of the Virgin of the Nativity, is more than a festival—it’s a heartfelt expression of faith, tradition, and shared identity.

This celebration is rooted in an ancestral legend: a seven-headed serpent once threatened the town’s maize crops until the Virgin intervened to protect the people, marking their eternal gratitude. Since then, Jala recreates the creature’s symbolic defeat with fire, music, and heartfelt devotion.

As night falls, an artisan-crafted serpent is placed atop a hill or bell tower. Filled with fireworks, the Sierpe descends amidst bursts of light, sound, and awe—a truly immersive spectacle.

Once it reaches the ground, three symbolic “soldiers” finish the ritual by giving the mythical beast the final shot. This sequence, charged with symbolism, evokes both emotion and reverence. The past becomes present, and the town stands united under the glow of tradition.

A Celebration for All: What to Enjoy During the Festival

Live Music and Dancing 

Local bands bring vibrant rhythms to the streets. It's impossible not to join in the festive spirit. 

Nayarit Cuisine Rooted in Maize

Tamales, gorditas, atoles, and giant elotes—flavors of the land, celebrated in every bite.

Traditional Fair and Games 

Perfect for families. Rides, laughter, and joy for both kids and grown-ups.

Cultural Encounters 

From religious processions to artistic showcases, the local community shares its soul.

Tips to Make the Most of It

  • Arrive early: Secure a good viewing spot for the Sierpe’s descent.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: Walking the cobbled streets is part of the charm.
  • Prepare for the weather: September evenings can be rainy or cool.

Stay at the Heart of the Celebration

There’s nothing like resting in a place that honors local culture with elegance and calm. At Nukari Quinta Boutique, every detail is designed to make your stay as special as the celebration itself.

Located just steps from the town’s church and main square, Nukari offers colonial charm, personalized service, wellness experiences, and a peaceful atmosphere where you can reconnect with what matters most.

This September, immerse yourself in an authentic Mexican tradition without giving up comfort.

Book your stay in advance and be part of one of the most magical celebrations in Mexico, while you unwind in your ideal retreat: Nukari Quinta Boutique.

Discover more stories

Discover the Jomulco Festival: tradition, culture, and spirituality in Nayarit
Discover the Jomulco Festival: tradition, culture, and spirituality in Nayarit
 Discover Jomulco Nayarit: Unveiling the Authentic Allure Near Jala
Hotel
Discover Jomulco Nayarit: Unveiling the Authentic Allure Near Jala
5 Reasons to Visit the Magical Town of Jala
Jala
5 Reasons to Visit the Magical Town of Jala
Vacation Packages in Jala Nayarit: Discover the Nukari Quinta Boutique Experience
Vacation Packages in Jala Nayarit: Discover the Nukari Quinta Boutique Experience
Wellness Retreat in Mexico: A Sanctuary of Tranquility in the Heart of Jala
Jala
Wellness Retreat in Mexico: A Sanctuary of Tranquility in the Heart of Jala
The Taste of Jala: A Tour of its Gastronomy
Restaurant
The Taste of Jala: A Tour of its Gastronomy
Discovering the Magical Town of Jala
Jala
Discovering the Magical Town of Jala
 Celebrate Mother’s Day 2025 at the Only Spa in Jala
Jala
Celebrate Mother’s Day 2025 at the Only Spa in Jala
Weather in Jala: Explore a Magical Destination
Jala
Weather in Jala: Explore a Magical Destination
 Best Hiking Routes in Nayarit
Jala
Best Hiking Routes in Nayarit
Start of Spring in Jala, Nayarit
Hotel
Start of Spring in Jala, Nayarit
 Nukari, a boutique hotel to relax in Jala
Hotel
Nukari, a boutique hotel to relax in Jala
The Majesty of the Lateran Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption in Jala, Nayarit
Jala
The Majesty of the Lateran Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption in Jala, Nayarit
Valentine's Day in Jala: A Magical Town for Romance
Jala
Valentine's Day in Jala: A Magical Town for Romance
Nukari Quinta Boutique: The Magical Hacienda Near Guadalajara for Your Wellness Retreat
Jala
Nukari Quinta Boutique: The Magical Hacienda Near Guadalajara for Your Wellness Retreat
Día de Reyes, travel to Jala Nayarit in January!
Jala
Día de Reyes, travel to Jala Nayarit in January!
Christmas in Jala: A Magical Town near Guadalajara that Sparkles in December
Hotel
Christmas in Jala: A Magical Town near Guadalajara that Sparkles in December
Discover Jala's Best Kept Secret: The El Salto de Jomulco Waterfalls
Hotel
Discover Jala's Best Kept Secret: The El Salto de Jomulco Waterfalls
Looking for things to do? Visit Jala, Nayarit a hidden pueblo mágico near Guadalajard and walk through its historic center
Hotel
Looking for things to do? Visit Jala, Nayarit a hidden pueblo mágico near Guadalajard and walk through its historic center
 Day of the dead 2024 in Jala, Nayarit: A journey through mystical celebrations
Hotel
Day of the dead 2024 in Jala, Nayarit: A journey through mystical celebrations
Towns Near Jala, Nayarit To Explore On Your Next Visit
Hotel
Towns Near Jala, Nayarit To Explore On Your Next Visit
A culinary journey through Nayarit: Gastronomic Route Jala.
Hotel
A culinary journey through Nayarit: Gastronomic Route Jala.
Jala, Nayarit: Celebrate mexican independence Day 2024 in a picturesque town
Hotel
Jala, Nayarit: Celebrate mexican independence Day 2024 in a picturesque town
Experience the traditional patron saint festivities of Jomulco, Nayartit celebrating San Jerónimo
Jala
Experience the traditional patron saint festivities of Jomulco, Nayartit celebrating San Jerónimo
Discovering Mexican Urban Legends: The Tale of La Quema de la Sierpe in Jala, Nayarit
Jala
Discovering Mexican Urban Legends: The Tale of La Quema de la Sierpe in Jala, Nayarit
Discover the Magic of the Corn Fair in Jala, Nayarit
Jala
Discover the Magic of the Corn Fair in Jala, Nayarit
Explore Jala, Nayarit: Gay Friendly City for a Romantic Getaway
Jala
Explore Jala, Nayarit: Gay Friendly City for a Romantic Getaway
Enjoy the Plenitude in our Hotel in Jala, Nayarit: Wellness Retreat in Mexico
Hotel
Enjoy the Plenitude in our Hotel in Jala, Nayarit: Wellness Retreat in Mexico
Treat Mom to a Restful Getaway in Jala, Nayarit: Happy Mother's Day Special Promotion!
Jala
Treat Mom to a Restful Getaway in Jala, Nayarit: Happy Mother's Day Special Promotion!
Explore the Art of Mexican Cocktails in Jala, Nayarit
Hotel
Explore the Art of Mexican Cocktails in Jala, Nayarit
Vineyards in Mexico: Jala, Nayarit, the Best Kept Secret of Wine
Jala
Vineyards in Mexico: Jala, Nayarit, the Best Kept Secret of Wine
Ceboruco Volcano Route: Hiking in Mexico
Jala
Ceboruco Volcano Route: Hiking in Mexico

Search Availability

-
2
+
-
0
+
Search
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.