Fridays during Lent must mean the “only in Oaxaca,” Paseos Florales del Llano or Viernes del Llano, the Friday pageant through Llano Park by young female preparatoria (high school) students and their spear, oops, I mean flower, carriers.
Some will teeter on spiky heels (tacones, en español); others will opt for the less sexy, safer, maybe even edgy, and definitely more comfortable “flats” look.
According to this article, there was a tradition in Oaxaca to pay homage to women — to honor them for the important role they play in the support of the family. The ritual died out, but was resurrected in the seventies by the Universidad Autónoma Benito Juárez de Oaxaca (UABJO) to recover religious and family values. And so, for five Friday mornings during Lent, action in Oaxaca centers in Llano Park. Along with the young women, there will be fans…
and bands…
Monos and clowns.
But the stars of the show are the young women; this Friday from Preparatoria 6. They ranged from the natural to the glamorous.
There are winners — I think based on the number of flowers they collect from their friends, families, and fans. However, in what seems to be a popularity contest, there is joy and sisterhood expressed by all; that is where their beauty shines through.
If you are in Oaxaca, or will be in Oaxaca in the next few weeks, check it out for yourself.
Please note, the early start! I arrived around 8:15 AM and, unlike previous years, couldn’t get close to the paseo. Chris at Oaxaca-The Year After rolled in at 9 AM and it was all over but the posing, departures, and detritus.
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