Semana Santa begins

So many times of the year are special here in Oaxaca.  It almost seems like we are in a constant state of awe, euphoria and celebration and certainly Semana Santa or Holy Week is no exception.  It is hard to keep up with all the action as we run from one special event to the next.  But fear not, it will all end up here at some point.... well, at least one to five percent of it.  You will just have to get it together and come and see it all for yourself.  As I like to say, sometimes you just gotta choose between living and blogging. For the moment I be livin'.

However, last Friday was El Día de la Virgen de Dolores, the Virgin of Sorrows and after a fine meal at the home of friends, I went in search of this beautiful altar set up by one of the cooks. 

I am not Catholic.  I don't even play one on TV, but here is the rundown on the Seven Sorrows from Wikipedia.

The Seven Sorrows (or Dolors) are events in the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary which are a popular devotion and are frequently depicted in art.^[1]
It is a common devotion for Catholics to say daily one Our Father and seven Hail Marys for each.

1. The Prophecy of Simeon. (Luke 2:34-35) or the Circumcision of Christ
2. The Flight into Egypt. (Matthew 2:13)
3. The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple. (Luke 2:43-45)
4. Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary.
5. Jesus Dies on the Cross. (John 19:25)
6. Mary Receives the Body of Jesus in Her Arms. (Matthew 27:57-59)
7. The Body of Jesus Is Placed in the Tomb. (John 19:40-42)

These Seven Sorrows should not be confused with the five Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary.

Everywhere you look there is something beautiful and yes, I know that that is the case most every day, but this week is really something special.  So keep an eye out.  Much more in the coming days as I get it together and manage to both live and blog.