Friday morning I returned to Llano Park for this year’s fifth and final Viernes del Llano, an only in Oaxaca Lenten tradition sponsored by the Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca. A few weeks ago, when I arrived at 8:30 AM, the crowds were already four deep and, initially, I couldn’t get anywhere close to the action. Not wanting a repeat, this week I got there at 8:00 AM to discover not many people and preparations just beginning. Looking for something to find, I came across Litzy, one of the 18 contestants having her makeup applied.
Like most of the young women, Litzy wasn’t alone. A team of industrious and enthusiastic supporters were there before, during, and after to help, wave banners and balloons, and cheer as she passed by.
Like the other contestants, she was presented with bouquets upon bouquets of flowers — way too many for one person to carry. Thus, a team of her admirers was required to follow along to assist.
The time came for the winners to be announced: Five young women were recognized for their efforts and dedication, two for their truncheon(?) and organization of their groups, another for her eloquence, and another was named Miss Photogenic. But, what about Litzy? The suspense continued to build as the announcer spoke and paused and spoke and paused and then the name, Litzy Guadalupe González Montes was announced as the Madrina del Quinto Viernes del Llano!
Felicidades to a lovely and very gracious young woman. It was a pleasure to briefly tag along on her journey.
(ps) Chris has more photos from this week at Viernes del Llano – Beauty abounds.
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