Diosa Centéotl 2014 - And the winner is.....
Jacqueline Rosario Reyes Sarabia from Santo Domingo Tehuantepec. She is this year's corn goddess and will lead the desfiles, parades, and many of the events connected with the 2014 guelaguetza.
The competition in which she prevailed was held before a huge crowd packed into the Almeda, the area in front of the cathedral. These events are really popular and I could not get within a fifty meters of the stage so these shots are not ideal. However, there will be plenty of chances to get better ones over the next week.
The contestants represent different regions of the state and they each step forth and give a short presentation about the unique qualities and traditions of their areas. And they are all dressed in the finest trajes, regional outfits, always spectacularly beautiful.
I've noticed that there is one thing that most Oaxacans seem to relish doing and that is declaiming, speaking formally and passionately. These young women were no exceptions. I am not sure if they even needed a mic, they were that powerful.
As always, not everyone can win, but everyone could surely represent and they did themselves and their regions proud.
I am pretty sure that I've said it before .....these ladies look to me like a flock of beautiful birds of paradise who descended from heaven just to make our lives brighter and more meaningful...I also like the fact that they come in different styles and sizes. And the winner is not the skinniest contestant, so beautiful and voluptuous, ah!!! And boy does she have a personality...
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I also noticed another similarity in thier culture with my culture (which is from a completely different continent/historical backgroud). Those beautiful bright flowers, roses on the black background textile - we use the same pattern on our famous Pavlovo-Posad shawls. Amazing!