Monday, March 24, 2008

Domingo de Pascua - Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday started early in San Miguel de Allende with fireworks rumbling like thunder throuhgout the night and the church bell pealing racously in the wee hours announcing "Christ has risen".

The streets were quiet during my morning walk, but the churches were filled to overflowing while families attended masses celebrating the joy of the resurrection.
Then at 11AM more rumbling of fireworks announcing the "Firing of the Judases".

We joined the thousands that gathered to enjoy this most light hearted of events of Holy Week.


It is all fun and laughs as brightly colored 6 feet tall figures representing Judas are strung high over the street. The figures are made of crepe paper and papier mache and have fireworks strung around their waists.



The fuses are lit and each Judas is set on fire, dancing and flipping around with sparks flying; then Judas explodes with a final loud bang. The crowds cheer as each Judas explodes and arms and legs go flying.

"The tradion of the Judases goes back to Colonial times, brought to the New World by the priests from Spain to teach the people about Judas" betrayal of Christ. They were meant to give quite visible and tangible proop that you never really get away with that sort of bad behavior. there are consequences.

But this is Mexico, and no one wants to be serious today. So once mass is over Easter in San Miguel is fun, family and food."

Happy Easter from San Miguel de Allende

Gypsy Girl

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful Holy Week experiences. What a blessing to be there during this holy time.

Easter blessings!

Anonymous said...

Hola Madre,
How interesting this whole week has been. Your blog has enriched my life. I think the colors are so beautiful in Mexico. Its so nice to get to see the photos. Here in New England at this time of year everything is so stark and colorless. Enjoy. Love Heidi

Gypsy Girl said...

Garten, It has been a very special enriching experience for me to witness this beautiful tradition and expression of faith.
I will be back next year!!

Gypsy Girl said...

Heidi, I only wish you could be here to experience it yourself.
Love you MOM