Artists Fashion Baby Jesus Figures for the Virgin of Candelaria Feast Day

Each year, Catholic faithful in Mexico honor the story of the infant Christ being presented before the temple in Jerusalem by adorning a figure of baby Jesus in fine clothing and praying for blessings throughout the year.

The celebration in Mexico coincides with the feast day of the Virgin of Candelaria, marked Feb. 2. In the days before the holy day, worshippers shop for new adornments and tend to any repairs the figures may need.

In the neighborhoods around Mexico City's historic center, vendors in the traditional Merced market set up booths with everything one could need to repair . . .