The here and now... and what and why

Complacency is a trap. At least that’s what I was thinking when I up and left the comfort of a Yankee prep school gig, where I taught music, amongst other things, for 28 years. There was also that life long career as a composer, musician and artist.

First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.

Click on an image to see it larger.
For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo
The view from Corazon del Pueblo

The hereafter re me

My photo
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler

Monday, April 14, 2014

Palm Sunday in San Antonino - Domingo de Ramos

San Antonino is one of those special villages that has so many rich traditions and so many highly accomplished artesanos, that it is always a privilege and a blessing to share in the celebrations there.  The palm fronds for everyone.
Palm Sunday is no exception as the village gathers at the panteon to adorn and bedeck the statue of Christ from the church with all manner of fruits, vegetables, breads.
People also bring all sorts of food, animals, items for the home, as offerings to be sold after mass as a fund raiser.
This was a long assembly process and the whole thing ends up a work of art and obviously, a very weighty one at that.  Look at how glorious the produce looks.
Then long poles were inserted under the platform and the whole thing was carried a kilometer or so to the church where a huge crowd awaited.
Led by the priest, flower pedals strewn along the path, with the smoke from copal filling the air, the procession made its way down the street.
The strain was obvious as the men struggled to carry the load.
People followed carrying the offerings that had been brought through out morning.
Or used a wheelbarrow if necessary.
Finally, they ducked under the arch and arrived at the church.  Hundreds of people were waiting in the plaza in front of the church for the statue's arrival.  Mass soon followed.
No better way to start Semana Santa.

1 comment:

stacey schmeidel said...

These photos are beautiful! Thanks for posting.