The city is packed. At least it is in el centro, but it is strangely quiet once you get out of that area. There was very little traffic and I had no problem parking. The streets were empty, but I was early. It was about 3 PM, so I just walked the city for the next fours hours.
However, you can see that Alacala, the pedestrian walkway, was very crowded with lots of vendors and tourists. It looks like most are mexicanos, with some Europeans, but not many gringos. And some from other regions.
Stalls line the streets, with plenty to take in, like street food
or flowers.
Early in the evening, after "the washing of the feet" ceremonies, comes "la visita a las siete casas," the visit to seven churches. Bread is purchased, often at the entrance to the church and carried to each church, where it is blessed.
Lots of different varieties.
Some from a bit closer to the source.
People take the bread to each church and then home to keep it in the hopes that it will insure that there will be enough food throughout the coming year. It is also given to anyone who is ill as a curative.
I started on my path at a leisurely pace, but then noticed very dark clouds moving in, so my trip to the seven churches sped up considerably. And here they are.
I think I added an eighth. The last one was Carmen Alto.
Not the best shot, but these two can attest I was there.
We have had rains the last few days, which is early in the season, but every drop is a blessing. I was a long way from my car, but made it and the skies opened up with a extra blessing to end the day, Jueves Santo.
2 comments:
Great photos again. They always transport me back to Oaxaca.
Which church is yellow? I am imagining it is one that I am very familiar with but never look up to see the yellow.
Joan
Gracias. It is Carmen Bajo. The courtyard is small so it was hard to get a shot of the door.
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