Waiting for the procession

I sat in the VIP seats that we purchased in front of the mask museum and across from the Teatro de Paz.  With our official press passes we were able to get up and walk with the parade to take pictures if we wished.  I decided to stay seated while Fred and George took spots closer to the parade start at El Carmen Church.  Martha did not have a press pass and was unable to get to our seats because she was busy with family and arrived after the start.  Huge crowds came to watch.  

San Miguelito church

On Thursday we went to San Miguelito Church to see the alters and the reinactment of the Adorational Santismo Sacramento.  Members of the church dressed as the disciples.  Fred was allowed in to take photos of the washing of their feet by Jesus.  People went in and out of the  hurch the whole time.  Vendors, as usual, were set up with food, Easter eggs, candy and toys.  By the church was a table with candles and bread.

Martha and George's cactus garden

I drew this sketch of the potted cactus on our first day before they bloomed. 

Yesterday, when we got back to G & M's, we found one of these cactus in bloom. This was the first bloom in four years. Lucky us to see it.

Headquarters for the procession of silence

At the headquarters for the Procession of Silence there was a museum.  

These are examples of the hand woven silk scarves that the women wear during the procession.  

They have intricate knotted designs on the ends. The women hand them down to their daughters to wear each year on this special occasion.

These men are working on the base structure of a float for the procession.  every year they make new designs on the base. 

 the Alter tops are kept in the church during the year to be brought out specially for the parade. 

 All during this week different alters are set up in churches and in front of the homes of the devout catholics.

Palm sunday

The vendors in front of san francisco Church on Palm sunday had a large selection of palm decoration for home alters.  

George is on the right taking his photo. 

Afterward we went for a beer in the restaurant next door which has a wonderful view of the cathedral towers.  

The young couple at the table next to us were very friendly and let us take their photo.

Church light show

Church Light Show

Purple Church

Purple church was but one photo Fred took during the fifteen minute light show.