October 3rd started at 2am for us when the fireworks and bells began. We walked to the center of town about 3:30 in time to see the parade of the paper mache stars lit from within by candles.It is difficult to capture the massive fireworks of the Alborada with my little camera; I need Melissa down here with all her lenses. I have posted about the fireworks battle previously with a slide show.
The celebration continues into the day with a massive parade. Each year it is slightly different but with similar components.
There are always the creepy clowns
and crowds lining the parade route
Lots of horses
Dancing people in traditional costumes
A scary monster devil guy
Giant paper mache dancing figures, called Mojigangs
Little angels on a float with St. Michael
Dancers from the city's neighborhoods and neighboring regions representing different tribes which inhabited the region before the Conquest.
An appreciative and enthusiastic crowd
And finally, the Xúchiles, 20-foot traditional floral offerings to St Michael the Archangel made out of an ancient desert plant (cucharilla) and marigolds. The constructions are so heavy it takes 10 men to carry them along the parade route where they are finally installed in the courtyard of the Paroquia.
As the light was dying, the Voladores, flying dancers from Papantla, Veracruz, performed overhead while we sat in the shadow of the Xúchiles the Paroquia courtyard
and looked up at the image of St. Michael he Archangel displayed on a Xúchile.
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