The Little Drummer Boy

The wonderful Sevillanos have not let me down. They gave me another parade.

Jerry and I walked over to the optometrist this afternoon and, on our way back, when we were almost home, we heard the drums of a marching band — a not very enthusiastic marching band. I can understand their lack of enthusiasm. The sun was bright and the temperature hovered somewhere around 38C (100F). But I hustled over in the direction of the drums and arrived right behind the small paso (float) and band at Plaza del Duque de la Victoria (home to the main El Corte Inglés department store).

DISPLAYING TRUE SEVILLANO STYLE.

Bringing up the rear was a man walking alongside a little boy. The boy was not yet part of the troop. His father had to keep holding him back from trying to join the marchers. His father laughed and told me the drum was new and he was simply trying to teach him to play it only outside. They, like I, had stumbled on the parade.

STOPPING FOR A MOMENT.

This particular group was from the Capilla de la Fábrica de Tabacos (Chapel of the Tobacco Factory).  The factory itself is now the center of the University of Sevilla. The chapel is across the river in the neighborhood of Triana. The troop represents the Hermandad de Columna y Azotes (the Brotherhood of the Column and Whips... don't ask). The band is called "Los Cigarreros" (The Cigar Makers). Thankfully, instead of making cigars, they make music.

LOS CIGARREROS.

DETAIL WITH THE COSTALEROS (THE GUYS CARRYING THE PASO) VISIBLE THROUGH THE MESH.