July 4th. Seb returned home from his day with his father about 8pm.The hissssBOOM!!! of cuates (homemade fireworks) filled the air. No, it was not an Independence Day celebration.In Oaxaca, cuates usually indicate that a CALENDA is passing through. Calendas are processions that mark feast day fiestas of saints, Mary, Jesus, etc.The cuates announce the calenda which includes a banda de musica (ALWAYS a tuba!), women in regional costume dancing with baskets of flowers (offerings) on their heads and monos- dancing, larger than life , fully clothed ,papier mache figures on a cane frame worn by a boy or man. Calendas come from different parishes throughout the city.
There is always a figure of the honored party on a float, pulled by a flat bed truck.
This calenda was from the Precious Blood of Christ parish and this was the float we encountered.
Yes, that is a real guy hanging up on that cross!
At the back of the Santo Domingo church, the procession turns into a brief street party with dancing and mezcal,juice (for the kids) and tortas (sandwiches) distributed to all, courtesy of the parishioners.Seb was a little taken aback when he was offered the mezcal,which he wisely declined and settled for some sugar-water juice!
The man on the cross untied himself, briefly and a good time was had by all!
(all photos taken by Seb)
1 comment:
I like the photos. I'm also glad I'm not the person who was chosen to be on the cross.
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