The fifth Friday of Lent is a big deal in nearby Etla. People come from all over Oaxaca to fill the often tranquil and empty church. As the title of t
he story from El Imparcial translates "United in Faith."
I am not Catholic and I do not know much about the significance of each Friday in Lent, but as I understand it, this is the day to commit to helping those around you in need and in crisis.
Etla is such a special place any time with its wonderful market and my favorite restaurant, Comedor Colon. The abuelas from whom I buy my food each week are some of my special friends who take such good care of me. But this was a very different Etla today because it was packed with folks from all over. I saw outfits and heard languages that I never see or hear there. It was fantastic.
People lined up to get into the church and to present flowers to El Señor de las Peñas, Christ who suffered. I watched as people kissed the small statue and touched it with their flowers of herbs and then rubbed them over their bodies to clean and heal them.
A lady selling rosemary, romero, and herbs in the plaza in front of the church.
They also lined up to get some Holy Water either to take with them or to wash their hands and faces, the backs of their necks. Huh, you will notice the ax in San Pedro's head.
Outside the church the market was really poppin', looking festive.
Look at this wonderful looking special bread fresh out of the oven.
There was also a rare midday castillo..... more on that in a bit.
In the meantime, be kind to each other and help a brother/sister out.
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