The Holy Trifecta in Mexico

It just occurred to me today, that I am finally, mentally, physically and spiritually getting over the Brew-ha-ha which is Holy week in Mexico. Whew! Any reason to party with a large dollop of pomp and circumstance thrown in.

The stage show was impressive 

We were in San Luis Potosi’ for both the Primavera festival (the start of Semana Santa) and city celebration of being 430-years-old. Families had arrived from all over the state for the festivities of music, song and art events planned for the week. We braved the afternoon sun to occupy good seats for a Queen Tribute band, which at its peak had about 3000 in attendance. After being in a town where no one spoke much English, all the attendees surrounding us knew all the words to all the songs by Queen, in English. It was fairly amazing to sit and listen 3000 singing in English. 

We will, we will, Rock You!

Then, there were these guys.

If you're from the South, you know what I mean.

Belonging to The Procession of Silence in San Luis Potosi. An annual event to mourn Passion of Christ and honor Our Lady of Solitude. It occurs on the night of Good Friday, beginning at the El Carmen Church. Paper statues of  these guys in all sizes, were found throughout the city. We were not there for the ritual, but the images of the processionals creeped me out. To close to a bad and shameful American history. (I hope they allow me back in Floridah, after this quip)

The ladies of SMA represent

We were back in SMA for Good Friday along with the Primos. Mind you, the church bells and fireworks had been going off nonstop during the week. It was exhausting to keep up with the multiple religious events happening throughout the city and hordes of people. However, we were all in to fight the crowds to witness the processional from the Parroquia de San Miguel. It was worth the wait in the sun, for the parishioners put on a great parade and show. 

Still waiting to hear how the "prisoners" were picked from the congregation

Starting with about a dozen parishioners dressed as Romans, Pontius Pilate made his speech via a microphone on the steps of the old chapel. The entire time he spoke, he held a white towel. Then came the washing of his hands. Suddenly, it was apparent what the towel was for – drying his hands before he retook the mic. I mean, who wants to be electrocuted for playing a part? Methinks, he lacks faith.

The happiest of the ensuing Jesus'

From then on, large religious statues on platforms filled with flowers one after another, emerged from the church in the order of the events leading up to the crucifixion. Alive Jesus after Passover, going to court Jesus, carrying the cross Jesus, crucified Jesus and risen Jesus. In-between many of the different depictions, there were assorted representations of the Mary’s – mother and Magdalene. Most striking symbol for the Mary’s, were that they were borne by the women in town. I’ve attended enough of these kinds of celebrations to know that this is a new development and a good one at that.

Women congregants handled the various Mary's

Primo and I spent a certain amount of time explaining the different Jesus’s to our respective spouses, which belonged to Jesus’s team.

Plenty of skulls and thorn crowns to go around.

The best event happened Sunday, The Blowing Up of the Judases. Also held on the square, civic groups, restaurants and businesses, all created life sized, paper Mache' figures of who they considered a Judas to the people during the past year. There were devils, witches and definitely politicians who we could not identify. There was also a bride? Really? Was there a bridezilla in someone’s life?

 

The man was a bad ass. He lit all the mannequins with his cigarette.

Delightful carnage in the street.

We were very lucky to get a front row seat for the event. All the figures were strung up across the street and one by one, set on fire. A circle of firecrackers around the waist set the figures spinning. 3 spins and then a large explosion blew the figures to smithereens. Part of the fun, was the excitement of being able to procure a limb, foot, or head of any of the Judases and for the next hour or so, we kept seeing body parts being carried thru the crowds by children and adults alike.