The small parades in Melaque with barely 100 people in them at most is all I’ve experienced when it comes to religious festivals in Mexico. I call it a festival because that’s what the whole two weeks in Jocotepec has been but this parade of Señor del Monte around town is large and quite somber. I’m just guessing but assume the Christ on the Cross figure is interchangeable with Señor del Monte.
So the courtyard of the church is packed when they bring him out. Outside the gate they turn south a few blocks, then east, then north and around town ’till they are back at the church. The whole procession takes 3-4 hours with possibly 10,000 people. Bands, dancers, prayers and the most devout making the journey on their knees (for some reason in the opposite direction). A very powerful and almost religious experience if I was susceptible.
We soon got back to the party atmosphere on the plaza with food, beers and people watching.
El Señor still in the church
El Señor leaving the church
Coming up the street about 6 blocks from the church
Indian dancers with metal shoes
The very devout on their knees
Cada cinco minutos
And Sparks this year was small compared to past years. The feria (the booths, rides, and all that stuff) was probably down by 30% and the number of people browsing the stalls small by comparison. I love Joco’s Saint week(s)!
For some more pic’s:
http://picasaweb.google.com/mike.d.gimp
Check out these folders:
Joco Senior Del Monte2010
Vaqueros De Jocotepec Al Malecon
The Plaza – Sr Del Monte2010
Miguelito El Cojo de Joco