Papier Mache Judases

Holy Week in San Miguel de Allende ends with the Firing of the Judases on Easter Sunday.

There is a large procession coming into the jardin with their paper maiche judases on tall sticks.  Spectacular against the deep blue sky.

You have to love the long red hair on this Judase.

The stance on this matador is wonderful along with just a touch of red for his tie.

The expression of this Judase is priceless.

As is this one with the mariachi tipping his hat.

This wonderful display surrounded Friar Juan de San Miguel that stands just to the west of the Parroquia church.

This little girl was so entranced by all the animated figures just as much I was!

For the finale, they are lite, one by one... The body swirls around with fireworks blasting every which way, when finally the body blows up.  There is a frenzy of children below collecting the figure's parts.  There is confetti and smoke everywhere. Eventually the excitement dies down, the crowds start to wander home and the street sweepers are out with their twig brooms.  It's an exhilarating time to be in town!

Good Friday in San Migeul is a Good Thing

Good Friday recalls the Crucifixion of Christ and t is an extremely busy day in San Miguel de Allende.  The pews in many of the churches have been pushed aside as many gather around their saint decorating the platforms with hundreds of flowers in anticpation of the upcoming procession.

There are solemn processions organized by almost every church carrying the statues of Christ, the Virgin Mary and a few other Saints.  There is such emotion and pagentry.

The procession winds its way around the jardin.  The sidewalks and jardin are lined with people, ten deep in some spots, reveling in the celebration.   Of course, me being one of them with my camera in tow.

 

One of my favorite of saints is also recognized this day.   When not part of a procession, the Statue of San Roque can be found just past the baptismal fountain in the Parroquia church.  he can be identified by his plague sore on his leg.  The saint after nursing plague victims in his native town was driven into the countryside when he himself has contracted the plague.  He survived because a little dog (the symbol of fidelity) brought him bread everyday.  The sculpted dog is along side the saint and because this is Mexico, he has a bolillo which is the typical Mexican roll in his mouth.  Since plagues have come to a halt, his contribution box is ignored.
He is replaced in admiration by San Martin of Charity, a black saint from Peru, also known as the “Saint of the Broom” because of his devotion to work, no matter how menial.  Many miraculous cures were attributed to him.  After the Virgin de Guadalupe, he ranks second in devotion to the Mexican people.

Good Friday is a colorful celebration and one not to be missed in San Miguel.

Happy Easter everyone!

I shot this from the back side of the Virgin Mary as she was heading up to the Parroquia Church in San Miguel de Allende.  It was such a beautiful day.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter.

Good Friday

Good Friday is a busy time in San Miguel de Allende.  I particularly like to duck into the San Rafael church and watch the men and women decorate the Saints for the procession later in the day.  All the pews had been pushed to the side and there was a lot of activity going on.

There are flowers everywhere: lilies, purple statice, mums, lisianthus, roses, carnations, daisies... what a colorful sight.

People were getting dressed in deep purple gowns with their heads adorned with a crown of thorns.

This statue of San Roque is one of my favorites.  When he is not part of a procession, he can be found in the Parroquia Church,  just past the baptismal fountain on the left.  He is identified by his plague sore on his leg.  San Roque, after nursing plague victims in his native town was driven into the countryside when he himself had contracted the plague.  He survived because a little dog (the symbol of fidelity) brought him bread everyday. The sculpted dog is along side the saint and because this is Mexico, he has a bolillo which is the typical Mexican roll in his mouth. Since plagues have come to a halt, his contribution box sits empty.

He is replaced in admiration by San Martin of Charity, a black saint from Peru, also known as the “Saint of the Broom” because of devotion to work, no matter how menial. Many miraculous cures were attributed to him.  After the Virgin de Guadalupe, he ranks second in devotion to the Mexican people.

I had the best time talking with this little guy.  He was so adorable.  A little Mexican lady was sitting next to me on one of the pews and she asked me if he was my son.  I politely said no but I had a good laugh with myself since I am a blond with blue eyes.  It was a great morning.

The Way of the Cross

Semana Santa or Easter week is a colorful and busy one is San Miguel de Allende.  Today, Holy Wednesday, is a major celebration in town .  There are 14 stations of the cross (stone niches marked with stone crosses in the walls) found on Calles Mesones, Juarez, Nunez and San Francisco.  The stations represents Christ's path to martyrdom.  Each one is decorated for the occasion.  The man above was just starting to assemble his.

Some of the stations of the cross are decorated rather simply.

Others are rather elaborate.

The "over the top" displays were on Calle Mesones.

Numerous processions will start at the Oratorio Church around five. 

Many of the town's people participate in the procession from angles, mourners, pallbearers...

I love the altar boy with his moused hair.

Some men are dressed as Roman soldiers.

One of the altars depicting Christ carrying the cross.  Today is one of my favorites during Semana Santa.

Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) is the first day of Holy week (Semana Santa).  It is a colorful and happy occasion.  I was intrigued by the artistry of the woven palms and this lady in Uruapan had her own particular style.

Special masses are held which includes blessing of the intricately woven palm fronds, crosses and other figures woven from palms and wheat.

 
 Men and women lined the courtyard of the church in hopes of selling their works of art.

All were busy weaving the palms into their own unique design.

This lady was coming out of the Oratorio Church in San Miguel de Allende.

Such artistic people and what a beautiful site!

Our Lady of Sorrows

Today in San Miguel de Allende and Patzcuaro, Our Lady of Sorrows (Nuestra Senora de los Dolores) is observed.  It is a colonial tradition which commemorates the suffering of the Virgin Mary.  You will find the decorated "altars of Dolores" in many homes, businesses and public spaces.  The altars range from simple to very elaborate that might take up the entire entry of a home.

The use of purple, white and green is used to decorate the altars.

This home altar was very impressive and I can not imagine all the creativity and effort that went into putting this together.  This altar is decorated with flowers, oranges, sprouting wheat, corn, grains, corn, chamomile, sand...

Some hotels have created small altars.

The homes open their doors at night to the town folk.  The visitors are offered fruit drinks, ice cream and treats by the hosts.

Many of the Virgin Mary's were just beautiful.

An elaborate altar was constructed under the arcade off the Don Vasco Plaza in Patzcuaro.  I was overwhelmed by the creativity and all the different elements that went into making this altar: the papel picado (cut tissue paper), ceramics, pewter, mercury balls.  Just beautiful!

At the front of the last altar, this "plaque" at the base of the display was all made out of different colored corn kernels and dried flowers.  It is sight not to be missed, it is the Friday before Palm Sunday.