Today is candlemas or, as it is known here and many other places, el Día de la Candelaria.
From
Wikipedia
It is traditional to celebrate the presentation of the Christ child in
the temple on February 2. The dressing and adoration of the Jesus and
family meals around tamales is a very important tradition. This festival is closely linked to that of the Epiphany, during which, the tasting of the rosca de reyes (kings cake) will determine who will be responsible for organizing Candlemas. Indeed, the one who finds the muñeco
(bean-shaped Christ child) in the cake is named as godfather of the
child. It is he who will dress the little God (image of the Christ child
in the form of dolls of varying size) on Candlemas with richly
decorated clothes. It is then brought to the church to be blessed. The
memories of these events are often passed from generation to generation
in families.
I went to three different villages to try and find some of the most wonderful action of the year, but all in vain. I was either too early or too late. I did notice there was a lot of activity at the corner Niños store. I'm sure you have one in your area. I am pretty sure these were last minute orders as many of the niños looked old, but were just in for new outfits,
Here one gets new booties. I love the little girl giving me the eye.
So I did not find el Dia de la Candelaria, but I did find. el Dia Mundial del Lavado de Manos.
Who knew? So light a candle and wash your hands. For me, as a gardener, today is halfway between the winter solstice and the vernal equinox. We are getting there.
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