Palm Sunday in Ajijic, Mexico

What an interesting place this is. We went to "open circle", which is a non denominational service held under the trees at the Lake Chapala Society. As is our custom now we proceeded to brunch with Cathy and Gary, our Halifax friends. Bridge on their terrace followed this until four o`clock. We knew something magical was to take place at the square so we stared out treck...just a few blocks. We noticed bundles of Alfalfa sprouts tied up and lying by doorways. We knew these were decorations, but we did not know what would be done with them. meanwhile, the street was being swept and watered. This was to celebrate the entry of Christ`s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the week before he was crucified. This marked the beginning of Holy Week that culminates in Easter.

We were told the procession would start around four but it was almost seven before anything happened. This is Mexico!

So the residents scattered the Alfalfa leaves upon the streets, making a carpet along the entire procession route. A green carpet! Amazing. Children sold individual palm fronds which were torn into eight or nine strips and woven into intricate designs. Soon the procession arrived. Jesus rode towards the cathedral on a burro accompanied by his 12 deciples on foot, all dressed in period costume. Behind them the local priest and two clergymen all in red and gold robes! The rest of Ajijic folks and visitors followed carrying their palm fronds and singing hymns all the way down to the 500 year old church where the proccession terminated .The simplicity and the splendor and the joy of these people make our obsession with easter eggs, baskets and chocolate bunnies seem garish and gaudy.

After Mass, the men with handmade brooms cleaned the streets of the trodden Alfalfa.

Then the food vendors, the musicians and diversions for the children came alive, in the decorated town square! What a feast! Fruit on sticks. Clay bowls of sweet rice pudding. Tamales. Every sort of Mexican food and candy. The older woman selling eggs, which have been blown out, painted for Easter and filled with confetti. These are broken over heads as a shower of wealth. Mostly it is just the little children who receive this but on Sunday everyone was surprised! The colours. The glee. The wonderful feeling of sharing in this simple tradition was lovely.

Funds are now being raised to pay for the Passion Play on Good Friday. Can`t wait for THAT!
Happy Easter......Kate