Carnival 2013, San Martin Tilcajete

Carnival, the festival of the flesh, takes place on the day before Lent.  Last Tuesday, February 13, we celebrated in a big way in the village of San Martin Tilcajete, about 40 minutes from the city of Oaxaca.  Many of the young people switch their gender for the day to dress up, have a lot of fun and celebrate with dancing and a parade through the village.

Animals and monsters were another theme for the day.  This creature amazed us in many ways; he really looked great as you can see.  However, the event was held at noon and lasted at least two hours - we were hot in our light shirts and shorts!

A cool couple

The tail end of the revelers in costume as they head out of the town square and up through the village streets to a spot where a large tent has been set up to feed everyone.  The white bucket is filled with candy and treats that are tossed out to the crowd and spectators.

No kidding around, it was hot and dusty, but we loved every minute as we made our way through the dirt streets,       encouraged by  the  loud band.

Stan got in on the action and fun.

Silliness was all around . . .

. . . and the "wedding" delighted everyone who gathered under the tent.  The parts that we understood were funny, but judging from the laughter, the parts we didn't understand were even funnier.

I don't think she got the jokes either.

The delighted audience

Can there be such a thing as too much purple?

Another good joke

Some of the diablitos, or little devils, another custom of the day.

Boys smear oil or tar on themselves and travel around the village trying to scare people.  They also have cowbells tied on their waists so there is a great deal of noise as they run.  Watch out, tall gringo!

A diablito with a great sense of style and attitude.

The village of San Martin is known for their fantastic wood carvings and there are many workshops that sell these alibrijes. So much creativity in such a small place!

 

Boys just want to have fun!

Christmas, Oaxaca Style

The Posada is an annual tradition in the main plaza each Christmas eve.  It commemorates Mary and Joseph's search for an inn so Mary could give birth.  Many children dress in their honor and there are plenty of angels, too.

The Oaxacans never tire of the false mustache and beard look as evidenced by this Rasta Man Joseph.

Nor is there any event without fireworks!

One of the many angels, this one riding on a float.

The youngest Mary.

Of course there were plenty of traditional dancers and loud exciting bands.  Usually the dancers carry baskets of live flowers on their heads, this was the first time I've seen the baskets with lighted candles inside cellophane shapes.

A young shepherd

 

One of the bands and a gigante on their way home after a few hours of parading.

Another of the many gigantes entertains the crowds

The Three Kings came on horseback

Three Gringas were there as well.

Julie tossing a confetti filled egg, another tradition.

A great time was had by all!

Christmas dinner the next day on our patio with friends.

Alan and I send you our love and best wishes for a healthy and happy 2013!

December 2012, Part 2: Radishes

December 23 is another important date in Oaxaca.  The Night of the Radishes finds the zocalo filled with amazing creations all carved from giant radishes by teams of people hoping to win a prize for their imagination, patience and talent.  These photos were taken in the afternoon as the displays were being assembled.

The main dancer is suspended in the air as he jumps,

surrounded by other dancers in the traditional Dance of the Plumes. 

Sing it with him: "I am Don Quijote, the Man of La Mancha!" 

Some of the creations have obvious religious themes and some incorporate other vegetables or plants

There is usually at least one Frida Kahlo themed work, too.  Here she is depicted with wings while other winged beings play near her.  Inspiration? Your guess is as good as mine!

More Christmas trees have been appearing in Oaxaca during the last few years, this is the first we have noticed in radish form.

The skeleton called La Catrina - a Mexican tradition

What do you think this is?  I have no idea but I like it.

December 2012 Part One: Mustaches

We arrived in Oaxaca a few days before December 12, the day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  The beloved protector of Mexico is celebrated for a few days with fireworks, a large carnival set up in the park next to the church of Guadalupe and the visitation by a great many little children dressed in their traditional trajes if they are girls, or dressed as Juan Diego, the peasant to whom La Morena showed herself and left her image on his shawl.

The little guys all sport hand drawn mustaches which wear off as the day goes on and eating, playing and nursing all take their toll.

The children wait in a very long line that winds through the church, where they are blessed by the priest, then out into the courtyard of the church where they offer their gifts of fresh vegetables, flowers and candles in front of the statue displayed there.

If the children are big enough they will often kiss the statue, but sometimes the parents or grandparents will touch the statue with a flower, a shawl or their hand and then touch that to the littlest ones.

Which photo do you like best?  Number 1?

Or number 2?