I thought this was to happen the previous day, but this was to be an even bigger day of pageantry where all the statues would be carried from the Cathedral back to their respective churches, accompanied by numerous dancing troupes and bands. One had come from a small 'pueblo' 12km away, no an easy feat with this mountainous terrain.
Anyone in the plaza would be in for a full day spectacle. Since 2 of the statues came from churches further out from the centre than where we are living, we would be able to see the procession from very close to. Home. Decision made. The processions would have to make their way through a series of narrow streets near the centre before getting to the main avenue Av de la Cultura. We live approximately 4-5km from the centre, and San Sebastián is about 1 km further, and San Jeronimo, possible another 5-6km further still. Quite long distances to walk, dance, carry a heavy statue, or carry and play a musical instrument. (I still get breathless bending down to tie shoe laces, and we've been here 2 weeks.). At least it is downhill!
About mid-morning, band music could be heard. Our signal to grab the camera, and head out.
I really must try to find out more about the different dance troupes. There must be a story involved. Different troupes possible represent different regions, or possibly different cultural groups throughout history. Groups include Spaniards who seem to be represented by long nose masks, Incas, jungle people.
The statue of San Jeronimo appeared in the middle of the procession, flanked by dignitaries and patrons from the church as well as numerous members of their congregation. So many people, families, and small children, and such joy and happiness. And they still had a long way to go.
There seemed to be 2 or 3 relief groups of bearers for the statue, and although they would have have several rest stops, where the statue would be placed on the stand for short periods. The morning parade flowed almost continuously for almost 2 hours. This incredible disruption to traffic would have occurred in several directions across the city as all 15 statues made their way back to their respective churches. The disruption along Av de la Cultura, which is a very busy 6 lane road, would have been further exacerbated by a protest outside the university, where students have totally blocked 3 lanes of the road outside the uni for several days. But street parades and protests seem to be part of life here, and traffic goes around, or though as some drivers did.
The kids are gorgeous.
Just gotta love their energy and happiness. It's infectious. Love a great parade! These band guys amaze me... Not only walking long distances, carrying and playing this huge instrument, they could also manage a few dance moves. Yep, definitely envious!
Later in the afternoon the procession for San Sebastián passed along. I'm not sure whether it was because this group had possible had a longer wait before their turn to leave the central plaza, or that they were almost at their destination with only about 1 km to go, but hey we're definitely in party mode.
This procession seemed to take longer than the morning one, with greater intervals between groups, and more rest stops. We could see groups stopped, resting on the sides of the road, conveniently outside a local 'deposito' .... bottle shop. Liquid supplies were also transported along with the groups, by various methods.
Early in the evening, we went into the centre, still experiencing traffic disruptions and delays around the university, to find the statue of San Blas, just making its way out of the plaza. San Blas church is probably the closest to the plaza, and therefore the last to leave. Sometime later, after dining at a restaurant in San Blas district we managed to see the statue entering the church of San Blas, after what must have been a short, but steep and difficult climb.
What a day. So many more photos here
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