A Funeral and a Wedding in San Miguel

After the somber funeral procession I walked up to the Jardin to find a different kind of ceremony  in progress.

this poor weimaraner was terrified of the tequila-bearing burro!

First Day of Spring Celebrations

Today the spring equinox brings more festivities to the streets of San Miguel.  Walking up to the Jardin this morning I was greeted by hundreds of children marching in costumes representing the abundance of spring:  little farmers, green trees, flowers, birds, bees and animals of every stripe.

When I arrived for my Spanish class I found it had been replaced with a special celebration featuring traditional dancers and refreshments for all

 Miguel, my teacher introducing the dancers

 The concha, or armadillo shell guitar

Notice the eagle feet and head of his headdress

rain, rain, go away, come again during the rainy season when you're supposed to be here

spent all day yesterday trying to stem the flow of water into my living room, a hopeless task and not interesting............. today I built a fire and stayed close by

Yet another celebration in San Miguel: Nuestro Señor de la Conquista

The festivities never end.  The latest, Nuestro Señor de la Conquista celebrates Catholicism conquering the indigenous religious beliefs.  It actually demonstrates that the indigenous beliefs have endured, but have incorporated elements of Christianity.  Take a look and see what you think.

 Poor jaguar!

 I hope this little girl doesn't wake up suddenly........yikes!

 That's a crocodile head

 Taking a break from hours of dancing on the stones

 A bird on the head and jugo de jamaica in the hand....................and a codpiece on the ---  bird!

Very pretty dancer massaging her bandaged foot

Mi Casita: hanging out

Having a fire going for those cold nights earlier in my stay was heaven

 I found these whimsical straw pieces at an artisan's fair

 Late afternoon light on a hot afternoon......but it's cool inside!

 I've been making a cold tea with hibiscus blossoms, ginger and cinnamon

 and enjoying it up here on the rooftop terrace

Sundays, bell ringers, and musicians