Semana Santa (holy week)

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Semana Santa (holy week)

On Good Friday locals and visitors crowded the streets of the procession route to watch the reenactment of the solemn occasion of the Holy Burial. 2000 people participated in the processional. An 18th century life size figure of the Virgin of Solitude and the figure of Jesus of Nazarene were the main but certainly not only old statues and figures from principal churches. The crowd was absolutely quite throughout the three hours it was spectacular. Uniformed Roman soldiers, young girls dressed in white as angels, women with black lace mantillas and black suited pallbearers…accompany carved statues of archangels.
On Sunday they had a paper Mache live size Judas which they ceremoniously exploded!
I hope to down load some pictures.

In San Miquel de Allende (SMA) they boast 300 churches. This means at least 600 bells. They ring constantly during Semana Santa. They ring to remind the faithful to attend and quite conveniently they remind people like me of the time too. If SMA has 300 churches they have at least 900 galleries. They have art of every description. Each American that lives here is an artist or a gallery owner or a writer. It’s an amazing well knit community with room for more. One elderly woman described SMA as a place to come and reinvent yourself. It definitely has a comradely and a friendliness that makes you feel you can do just that. The skeptical side of me wonders who is buying all this art. I’ve met a lot of people from Texas and just as many from Ottawa.

SMA Observations:
It’s been about 83 degrees everyday since I arrived and apparently keeps this temp through April and May.
In this town of steep hills with cobble stone narrow roads no one owns and automatic transmit ion vehicle.
No such thing as Coffee to go. Everyone enjoys coffee in the cafes.
Once you’ve met someone the next time you meet you must hug and kiss
Behind every little door is a big beautiful courtyard with a restaurant or gallery.
This is the last bastion for smoking. Smoking is acceptable everywhere.
No seatbelt laws & no child seats and you can ride around in the back of a pick up.
I’ve been propositioned by both men and women - some I will remain in contact with.
I’m currently taking a photography class at the Bellas Artes - a converted nunnery - apparently one of Mexico’s most prestigious art schools. My friend from this class is a Cardiologist from Ottawa. He’s taking 6 month off. Sounds just right to me!!

See you all too soon, Deb

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Comments

[PJ]

heat sounds good
Tried to sumbit comments earlier, they didn't seem to 'take' Hope you're not tempted to smoke, especially when the weather is smokin'... I trust you're having fun cheers PJ