The Not-Ready-for-Prime-Time Players?

I haven't posted parade pictures since Wednesday. We were long overdue. So, last night as we sat at home eating dinner around 10:30 we heard the familiar sound of a marching band. I of course grabbed my camera and ran downstairs. There was a band already beneath our windows and I could see a kind of disheveled, gap-filled procession trailing far behind with the shimmering glow of a paso in the distance.

FOR THESE TWO, DRUMMING WAS SERIOUS BUSINESS — IF PERHAPS A LITTLE BORING.

As the band passed, I noted a much more informal air, as if no one was really in charge. Two horn players were smoking, instead of playing, as they dragged themselves along. Every so often another horn player would do his own jazzy little riff that was clearly not part of the marching music.

"THIS THING IS HEAVER THAN I THOUGHT."

After one major gap, I realized this procession was mostly children. And the adults weren't having an easy time keeping them moving. The kids carrying the tall candles thought it was great fun to drip wax into their hands and play with it as they walked in all directions but forward. Some kids were seeing how close they could get their fingers to the flame. Everyone was in good spirits. The adults seemed to resign themselves to a disorderly ramble through the streets.

THE PARADE GOT A BIT OUT OF CONTROL. "HOT WAX IS SO COOL."

STILL TRYING, IN VAIN, TO GET THE KIDS ORGANIZED.

A COSTALERO OF THE FUTURE. HE AND HIS PAL SAW MY CAMERA AND STOPPED TO POSE.

THE INCENSE CARRIERS, ENGROSSED IN MAKING SMOKE.

Behind the beautiful paso of the Madonna and Child was a second marching band, composed mostly of teens and young adults. They were surprisingly good and played less traditional marching music. They were also a joyous and friendly bunch who kept stopping to pose for my camera.

THE EXQUISITE PASO.

THE HAPPY HORNS SECTION.