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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 15, 2017 4:33:32 GMT
Today was very hot and sunny, but I can't resist checking out Good Friday. I went out three different times in my quest to find commemorative events worth photographing, then wound up getting surprise shots when I went out for the fourth time to walk the dogs. This is by way of saying that I took a really good look, including watching all of the Procession of Silence, so I can state sadly and positively that one of the best things was missing this year. Well, you all will see for yourselves. Here is my first outing, at around noon ~
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 15, 2017 5:14:41 GMT
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 15, 2017 5:28:59 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2017 9:37:16 GMT
Even after having seen some of the churches of Mexico, I still find them surprising and amazing with each new photo. I tend to forget that Good Friday is a big deal in certain countries, because here it goes completely unnoticed since it is not a bank holiday (unlike Easter Monday). Actually, yesterday in one of the more conservative areas of the city, I did encounter young people distributing religious tracts exceptionally. Normally the only religious people you see are the increasingly ubiquitous Jehovah's Witnesses (doomsday cults are always popular in times of politicial and social turmoil). And the evening news devoted about 15 seconds to the yearly procession at Sacré Coeur -- they do the stations of the cross in the gardens or some such. Tomorrow's big event is a funk & techno parade on the Champs Elysées to support 3rd world causes. Jesus would approve.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 15, 2017 18:13:56 GMT
As far as Good Friday being a big deal, my perception yesterday was that it was somewhat less observed than it has been in previous years. And re: the parade to support 3rd world causes -- yes! A good example of loving ones neighbor. Here I go sallying forth for my second foray in search of Good Friday photo-ops depictions of faith ~ I'm back at Sangre de Cristo church, where there is now a little more evidence of procession preparation. These two snappy dressers are oblivious ~ Don't mind me. I'm just trying to stay cool ~ Setting up some lighting ~ The crosses await their bearers. In a previous report on Good Friday in Oaxaca, someone pointed out that the crosses are hollow. Well, yes they are, but made of heavy plywood, plus they're quite long. I hefted one and it was heavy. And the smaller ones are made of solid 4x4 pine. Looking northward up Alcalá, there are police barricades in place as far as the eye can see. They came early so they could get good seats ~ Heading back home again, I meet three litter-bearing groups ~ This is García Vigil, the street parallel to Alcalá, which is also on the procession route. These people are going to have a long wait. I'm going back home & will emerge again later ~
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 15, 2017 20:12:51 GMT
And now I'm leaving my house for the third time on Good Friday, the time that should be the charm in terms of seeing some procession action.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 15, 2017 20:26:35 GMT
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 16, 2017 0:52:08 GMT
Yes indeed, there is more! It's been years since I watched the whole procession and I really think there was less of everything this year, so might as well record it for posterity. Also, this may be my Good Friday swan song, since I've covered it so many years running.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 16, 2017 3:48:06 GMT
By the way, I added the music in the slideshow above. The procession itself is silent, but there are amplifiers at different points on the street through which can be heard the slow, steady beating of a drum. I say drum, but it was more of a >clonk< as though something made of wood rather than the familiar hollow sound of a drum.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 16, 2017 3:58:06 GMT
I believe we are nearing the end of the procession. We have seen all of the procession, but it will continue wending its way through the streets of the city for some time yet. I'm off for home, but still have a little bit left to show you of Good Friday, Oaxaca 2017.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 16, 2017 4:13:28 GMT
Meanwhile in my neighborhood, it's still Lent ~
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Post by Deleted on Apr 16, 2017 4:41:16 GMT
Some of the imagery and costumes are muy extraño.
I am seeing more dogs behind the gate than were reported in the last census.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 17, 2017 4:48:02 GMT
You may be mistaking Oliver's battered stuffed poodle on the right in the first picture for another real dog but no -- still only three pooches.
Did you notice what feature is missing this year? I am shattered.
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Post by fumobici on Apr 19, 2017 0:14:40 GMT
What a stunning set of images. The three below look like fine art paintings. If I'd never seen your Oaxaca photos, I'd think that the little Anghiari Good Friday procession I am familiar with was over the top.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 19, 2017 5:32:43 GMT
I bask in your incredibly generous praise, Fumobici ~ thank you! It was great to be reminded of your Anghiari thread, which is just as wonderful as it was 7 1/2+ years ago. It even has a recumbent Jesus that you say is carried through the town on Good Friday. I nominate you to cover Good Friday next year ~ I am sure we and Anghiari will all appreciate it.
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Post by lagatta on Apr 20, 2017 11:15:18 GMT
I'm just looking at this beautiful thread now, as for some reason I couldn't get all the images to load before (and my computer was recently updated; it has a new hard drive as well). Yes, the images are striking and I loved the lady of a certain age bearing her burden of nails.
I know something is missing, but can't put my finger on it.
To be a bit frivolous, I really want one of those large scarves/shawls girls and women wear. The dark ones are particularly beautiful.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 20, 2017 15:18:43 GMT
You have a good eye, LaGatta! The girl is wearing the most typical of the Oaxacan rebozos. The woman on the left is wearing what I believe is a rebozo from Santa Santa María del Río in San Luis Potosí. It's said of their finest silk ones that they can be pulled through a wedding ring. The woman on the right has a particularly gorgeous one in damask. It has a slight purplish tint that makes me think it might be an antique. As for what is missing ~ think hard. File your mind to a point.
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Post by bjd on Apr 20, 2017 15:34:13 GMT
No Roman soldiers with spears?
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 20, 2017 15:37:17 GMT
Ha ~ I missed that myself! No, there aren't any, but that's not the missing element I'm sulking about.
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Post by lagatta on Apr 20, 2017 15:50:13 GMT
I'm a bit spacey these days from working across time zones. I did see both cross nails and the crown of thorns... can't think of anything else pointy, unless you mean those scary dudes in hoods that look like the ones the KKK likes to dress up in.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 20, 2017 23:59:47 GMT
Bingo! A big cross for the little lady!
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Post by lugg on Apr 21, 2017 7:47:39 GMT
I certainly hope its not your Good Friday swan song although your pooches may not agree Like Fumobici as always in awe of your photos but loved particularly the vase of beautiful blue agapanthus and lilies. I guess that someone got some great views via that drone even though I despise the intrusive little things.
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Post by lagatta on Apr 21, 2017 11:22:51 GMT
Where on earth am I supposed to put my cross? You do know that Livia will use it as a scratching post...
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 21, 2017 14:19:52 GMT
Ha ha ~ the sweet kitty is innocent and pragmatic. I now realize that instead of "Bingo!" I should have said "Nailed it!" Too kind, Lugg! I'll probably be tempted out next year just to see what I can see. Maybe somebody on your side of the Atlantic will zip off to Spain to record it there, or Fumobici will deliver the goods on Italy.
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Post by breeze on Apr 22, 2017 13:09:46 GMT
bixa, maybe those were not accusing glances from your dogs. Maybe they were sympathetic looks, seeing how you sacrifice yourself for anyport.
Not only are the agapanthus and calla lilies gorgeous, so is the pitcher they are in.
If those are real roses on the litters, what luxury to have so many. Wonderful colors throughout this thread; thank you, bixa; thank you, Mexico.
In lots of the photos, some people walking alongside the litters are carrying a stick with two prongs on the top. In the second photo in #9 you can see two guys carrying one. Would they be to re-position the statue if needed?
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Post by mich64 on Apr 23, 2017 17:51:13 GMT
It never ceases to amaze me to the extent and commitment to faith the citizens of Oaxaca exhibit.
I noticed the different types of red flowers, is this traditional, seasonal or biblical? I am not a Catholic but do recognize purple being used during Lent here.
Your photographs are stunning Bixa, in fact there a three that I would love to frame, #1, #2 and #6. I have been searching for artwork for months for my living room, without success so far, but those three photos are what I am looking for!
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 24, 2017 2:13:18 GMT
Breeze, thank you so much! That green ware (the pitcher) is very common and typical of Oaxaca. One of the most common uses for that kind of pitcher is making hot chocolate. When the wooden frother is used, the shape of the pitcher keeps the foam and chocolate from flying all over the place. If you love cut flowers, you would go crazy here. I can walk over to my local market and pick up a dozen roses for around $2usd or less. I noticed the sticks with prongs, too. You're right that they are used for picking up and positioning the litter with the statue, but I don't think I ever saw so many marchers carrying them before. It's a good idea, though -- others can step in to help before the bearers collapse. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Mich, I am hugely flattered by your lovely compliment! You are correct about purple being the color for Lent. However the color scheme for the flowers varies from year to year, so that must be an aesthetic choice rather than an ecclesiastical one. You are right about the dramatic expressions of faith, but I would swear there were fewer participants this year. In fact, I went back through my older Good Friday threads and yes, more people in the processions before.
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Post by lagatta on Apr 24, 2017 18:32:28 GMT
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_colours Note that there are regional exceptions - and I'm sure cultural syncretism is at play in Oaxaca. Bixa, are there many converts to (usually reactionary) Protestant sects in that area? But I suppose there are more Oaxacans who are simply less observant.
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Post by cheerypeabrain on Apr 24, 2017 19:42:52 GMT
Stunning images Bixa, I am fascinated by the deep connection the people of Oaxaca appear to have with their faith in that it seems to form an intrinsic part of their culture. Love the banners and the flowers are glorious.
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Post by tod2 on Apr 30, 2017 13:28:56 GMT
Amazing photos Bixa. I've gotta tell you that any of these visuals would send the populous into a frenzy over here. Nothing like this extravaganza has ever been seen. The effigies of Christ in different poses would spook the majority into a frenzy. There are not as many Roman Catholics as is past years but even then, none have them have seen anything as extreme as this. It is even more apparent that this form of Catholicism is not practiced here. Do you think that certain people in positions of authority have over the many decades in Mexico , put their spin on things to what is portrayed in public? One thing I know is that if children here were to see all the 'gory' details of those statues it would disturb them.
This is not meant as any criticism on the Catholic religion per say but merely an observance of the differences between the Easter celebrated in different places. I doubt if this would be allowed to take place in a city in South Africa. It seems to me the different churches have selected a venue to which all the faithful must travel.
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