Calendaria

Today is candelaria, candlemas, the mid-point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and the day that many families bring their niños Dios from their homes to churches to have them blessed.  It is also a day for tamales, but more on that later.

I went to three nearby villages to see if there were celebrations, but I found only empty churches and this horse happily grazing.

Not to be thwarted on my mission, I headed into the city, which had its normal chaos caused by protests and blockades, only adding to the festivities.

Eventually, I made it to La Soledad where I was lucky to catch a mass.  The church was filled and I stood, watched and listened.  I love how people hold their niños dios so tenderly.

 

A ray of sun blesses this one. 

There was communion and then people filed into the back courtyard for the blessings.

This gentleman sitting and waiting.

 Then getting showered with Holy Water.

The line went surprisingly quickly.

 All shapes and sizes.

 

"Hello.  This is God.  Hang up the phone or I am going to ask the sister to hit you instead of bless you."

 Blessings abounded.  I was lucky to be standing close and was doused several times.

 Love that drop of water.... and her face.

 Afterwards, time to bask in the sun and relax.

 That is the smile of a blessed woman, isn't it?  She was so happy, she radiated.

More in a bit.