It's all about Bea

Yes, it's Bea's world... Beatriz Ruiz Lazo...

If you've followed this blog, you've seen Bea's pictures over the years.  I feel like her family in Teotitlan del Valle is my family.  They have been so kind and open to me for so many years.  So I felt such happiness, love and pride as Beatriz celebrated her quinceañera.

She is the daughter of Antonio and Claudia and the granddaughter of Zacarias and Emilia

And the great-granddaughter of Julia, one of the village's centenarians..

As in all things Zapotec, there was a formality to the event which was hosting 350 people.  After many days of preparation and Bea's fifteen years of preparation, the morning started with a breakfast of mole negro.  Then the band arrived and soon after, it led a procession the four km. to the church for a mass for Beatriz. 

She was met and blessed by the priest.

Then lots of photos at the church.  Then a procession back the same four km. back to the house. 

What followed was a very traditional Teotitlan celebration.  The guests lined up and, one at a time, presented our gifts and well wishes.  Then we all sat and talked, waiting for a delicious meal of barbacoa de res.  Following the meal, the jarabe, one of the most important dances in the village. 

Again, it is very formal, no smiles.... First, Bea with her parents and Antonio's parents, then Bea with Claudia's relatives.  Then Bea with her brothers, then I lost track.  Each jarabe is eight to ten minutes long, so it all adds up to a long series of dances. I always am amazed at the stamina and chops of the musicians.  They all play it from memory and it's a pretty complex medley.  For me, the sweetest moment of the day was when Beatriz danced with her father, Antonio.

She not only danced with him, but also sang to him....

The party continued long after we left, but it was such a pleasure and an honor to be there to watch  and celebrate this wonderful young woman, Beatriz Ruiz Lazo as she continuse her magical journey into life.  ¡Felicidades!