Yesterday was another special Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) in San Antonino Castillo Velasco. This is a Zapotec village famous for the cultivation of flowers and exquisitely embroidered blouses and dresses, inspired by said flowers. Returning year-after-year, I never cease to be uplifted by the warmth of the people and the bounty they bring to the image of San Salvador sitting atop his little burro outside the panteón. The best of their fruits, vegetables, herbs, livestock, clothing, flowers, and much more are gratefully received by a committee, priced, and later-in-the-day, sold to raise money for a designated project.
A little after noon, San Salvador (his burro now filled to the brim), offerings, and the faithful were blessed by the priest. Fireworks exploded, rhythmic sounds of the traditional teponaxtles (drums) and chirimía (small oboe) sounded, and led by a trail of bougainvillea bracts and the smoke of copal, the litter of San Salvador atop the burro and carried by 30+ men, set off on a journey to the atrium of the church. They were followed by villagers and visitors carrying the remainder of the goods collected — a ritual reenactment of the Biblical story of Jesus entering Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.
The procession successfully navigated overhead wires above and heeded warnings of “topes” (speed bumps) below. A kilometer down this perilous route, San Salvador and the faithful, young and old, approached the atrium of the church, San Salvador was set on the stage where an outdoor mass was to be said, and on the opposite side, the hand-and-head-carried offerings were to be sold. I cannot begin to express how warm and welcoming the people of San Antonino Castillo Velasco were. Wearing a blusa from San Antonino, that I purchased several years ago, I was smiled upon and, as I was taking photos, officials and other villagers ushered me to the front. Again, I ask, how many magical moments can one person have?
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Wonderful to see your blog always. Was fortunate to have been there last year (saw you there, of course). An event to be remembered. These people are amazing.
Thank you, Connie! Year after year, I never cease to love going there on Palm Sunday. 🙂
Shannon – Love the respectful way you and your lens interact with people who live in the villages and maintain their traditions for themselves, not for tourists.
Thank you, Gayle!
Fabulous photos! Thank you for posting them.
Thanks, Jill!
Your blogging, along with Chris, brings light and warmth to the Great White North. I shared the tradition of the Día de la Samaritana with my congregation last Sunday. We would love to spend Holy Week on Oaxaca someday..
Thank you for reading and your kind comments, Douglas! It’s a wonderful time to be in Oaxaca. I hope you and your congregation can visit one of these days.
Wonderful photographs and descriptions, Shannon. Love to see this spirit ✝️
Thank you, Melinda! Oaxaca is such a special place to experience.
Great shots! Hope to do it with you, one of these days! My favorite….the white onion “hat” lady! xoxo
Yep, the onion hat lady! My other favorite is the girl with the baby goat. 🙂
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So moving…thank you!
You are very welcome!