Semana Santa

Prior to moving to Mexico I had never set foot in this country, not even for a vacation. Needless to say there was a lot I didn’t and still don’t know about Mexico.

In the four short months that we have been here I’ve learned that a large portion of the Mexican population have deep Catholic roots. Every Sunday church bells can be heard throughout the city. I’m not at all religious, but  I think its cool and enjoy hearing them.

This past week we got to experience our first Semana Santa (Holy Week) here in beautiful Mexico. I’m not Catholic and know nothing about the Catholic religion so it was extra cool to me lol. The big Catholic church out here is Our Lady of Guadalupe, located in the heart of El Centro. So on Palm Sunday Bridget and I headed out there to check out the action. It was amazing. So many people out buying palms in front of the church, for souvenirs so I thought lol. So we bought a palm shaped like Jesus on a cross then made our way into the church because I wanted to check out the inside. I’ve always thought Catholic churches are so interesting with their many saints and super detailed decorations. It was very crowded but we managed to squeeze in the back.

The saints were all covered with black cloths, why Im not sure. But the church itself and the giant Jesus on the cross up front was hella cool. Luckily we got there just in time for the action and the priest arrived shortly after us with his friends. He came through the back also so it worked out perfect for a great view. He read something for a bit, maybe a bible, I duno it was in spanish. Then he told the people to raise their palms and everyone held up their souvenir palms. Now for the good part. Bridget taps me on the shoulder to warn me I'm about to get sprinkled with holy water. I turned around and BAM holy water in my eye. I have perfect vision in that eye now btw. Then it got boring as the priest walked around the church surprising everyone else with the holy water while someone outside started setting off Jesus Bombs*. Finally the priest made his way to the front, Bridget told me we were about to be in for a 90 minute service, so we snuck out.

It was just something really cool to see. I never realized how hardcore these Mexican catholics really are. Apparently Good Friday is even better because they do a fake crucifixion where they have a Jesus carry a cross through Centro where they beat and fake crucify him. I really wanted to see that but day of was just really not feeling like standing out in the heat for that long to watch. So maybe next year. I have no clue what they do on actual Easter Day but I bet it's also something cool. 

I’m just loving learning about my culture and the traditions out here. I’m super excited to experience Halloween and Christmas here! - Nolan

Having been raised Catholic, but no longer one, it has been a long time since I have been inside a church. Nolan kept asking me Catholic questions. Sometimes, I knew the answer, but mostly, I did not. I'm not sure if it is because I successfully purged that info from my longterm memory, or if it is because the Mexican Catholics do things differently; it is probably a bit of both. Anyhow, it was fun to watch Nolan in this atmosphere, and hear her talking about the "action figures" (which is what she calls the saints) Lol. I was very glad sanity prevailed and we didn't go watch the live crucifixion, but I do see it in my future, because I haven't seen Nolan that excited about anything...ever. Stay tuned for that story next year.

- Bridget