Virgin of the Guadalupe Day

You know it is a special day when the bands start playing long before the sun rises and the cohetes, loud firecrackers, echo off the mountains.  And so mexicanos began to celebrate the Virgin of the Guadalupe (here's the story). The Virgin is the iconic figure of Mexico and can be seen everywhere, at any time of year.  She is a constant and today is her day.  So boys dress up like Juan Diego and girls wear indigenous outfits to represent Tepeyac, the region where Juan first spotted the Virgin.

This was the altar set up for her in the market in Etla this morning.

The market was quiet, but it was early.  Still, the streets were filled.  I wish I could describe the aromas that filled my nostrils.  First, it was a powerful fragrance of fresh mandarins, tangerines, so fresh and strong.  Ahhh, a little bit of heaven!  Then, the smell of oranges, then chocolate, then the smells of cooking.  Life in Smell-o-vision.

We are so spoiled here with the freshest produce.  I returned with beautiful avocados, onions, tomatoes, a huge head of the crispest red lettuce, fresh tortillas, tamales, chile rellenos, nice big sesame rolls, and a super fragrant cantalope.  However, when I started driving home, the car filled with the perfume of a perfect piña, pineapple.  I could practically taste it.

A good start to a special day.  Celebrate it accordingly.  Of course, the best shot of the year was this one from Teotitlan del Valle, where I am just heading out the door to visit, so I can celebrate it with the danzantes del plumas and the good people out there.