The week's most important and profound ceremony is still to come—the Via Dolorosa and Procession of the Holy Burial. It begins at 5 pm, shortly before dusk starts to darken the town, and lasts about two hours. It finishes in darkness, lit only by the dozens of lanterns and hundreds of candles carried by the participants.
The procession has been taking place in San Miguel for nearly 300 years. Today, it's said that more than 2000 people take part. Thousands more line the streets and fill the Jardín to watch it pass. It has the look of a true funeral cortege, with all the men in black suits striped with purple sashes, the women in black dresses, black lace mantillas and white gloves. They carry the brass lanterns and the heavy, beautifully carved statues of the saints through the streets in total silence but for the somber cadence of drumbeats. Occasionally, a voice will ring from one of the balconies along the route, singing a solo "Ave Maria."
The procession begins at the Oratorio, led by a statue of the dying Jesus nailed to the Cross. It winds its way through the streets of Pepe Llanos, Mesones, Juárez, San Francisco on the north side of the Jardín, then turns into Hidalgo, back to Mesones and returns to the Oratorio. Little girls in white dresses with purple sashes carry baskets of rose petals and chamomile sprigs, strewing them onto the cobblestones as they go until the air is heavy with the scent.
Women appear carrying life-sized carvings of the six archangels. Finally, the body of Christ himself, borne by 36 men in black and surrounded by lanterns, begins it sad trip. He lies in a glass casket, its wooden frame elaborately carved and gilded, the bier almost buried in a mountain of flowers. More saints follow, including a beautiful rendition of Our Lady of Solitude.
By the time the cortege makes its way back to Mesones, it is full dark. The entire length of the street glows from the candles and torch lanterns of the pall bearers. In silence and darkness, the procession comes to an end.
The most significant and magnificent of all the events of Holy Week is over.
Enjoy the few photos..the Starbucks one is my favourite...
Check out the shoes...on these cobble streets!!!!!
Yashi Kochi!!!!
The procession has been taking place in San Miguel for nearly 300 years. Today, it's said that more than 2000 people take part. Thousands more line the streets and fill the Jardín to watch it pass. It has the look of a true funeral cortege, with all the men in black suits striped with purple sashes, the women in black dresses, black lace mantillas and white gloves. They carry the brass lanterns and the heavy, beautifully carved statues of the saints through the streets in total silence but for the somber cadence of drumbeats. Occasionally, a voice will ring from one of the balconies along the route, singing a solo "Ave Maria."
The procession begins at the Oratorio, led by a statue of the dying Jesus nailed to the Cross. It winds its way through the streets of Pepe Llanos, Mesones, Juárez, San Francisco on the north side of the Jardín, then turns into Hidalgo, back to Mesones and returns to the Oratorio. Little girls in white dresses with purple sashes carry baskets of rose petals and chamomile sprigs, strewing them onto the cobblestones as they go until the air is heavy with the scent.
Women appear carrying life-sized carvings of the six archangels. Finally, the body of Christ himself, borne by 36 men in black and surrounded by lanterns, begins it sad trip. He lies in a glass casket, its wooden frame elaborately carved and gilded, the bier almost buried in a mountain of flowers. More saints follow, including a beautiful rendition of Our Lady of Solitude.
By the time the cortege makes its way back to Mesones, it is full dark. The entire length of the street glows from the candles and torch lanterns of the pall bearers. In silence and darkness, the procession comes to an end.
The most significant and magnificent of all the events of Holy Week is over.
Enjoy the few photos..the Starbucks one is my favourite...
Check out the shoes...on these cobble streets!!!!!
Yashi Kochi!!!!
5 comments:
Great pics. We want to come down this next week but haven't found any pet friendly places to rent, at least not yet. We miss SMA.
that surprises me as many pet owners have rentals have you tried Airbnb cheers les
Les, your photography work in this post and the last post on your trip with Gracie is very good. When I open the photos to full screen, they take on a three-dimensional effect, both in landscape and closeup. Also, the color is amazing.
Thanks I am just using my Samsung phone when I get to Laredo on Thursday I have a scan disk reader for the iPad so I shall be able to use the point and shoot camera again..it seems I have the blog figured out...have a great Sunday best wishes les
Les, does using the scan disk reader interfacing between the point and shoot camera and the iPad affect the quality of the photos in any way? Just curious!
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