Carmen Contrasts

Saturday began the festival in honor of Our Lady The Virgin of Mount Carmel (or, as she's known here, Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Carmen). La Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint of seafarers and specifically of our neighborhood of Los Boliches. Beginning with a multi-day fair, activities continued throughout the week. Tuesday was the official "holiday." Fisherman took the day off.

FISHING BOATS BECAME PARTY BOATS FOR ONE DAY.

At 9 p.m. a procession began. A statue of the virgin was carried through the streets of Los Boliches and finally into the Mediterranean Sea. She was then placed on a boat — to enjoy the fireworks I suppose. Many people follow the statue into the sea. I began spectating at 9 p.m. By 10:30, I was tired. So I didn't witness the virgin being carried into the water. Next year, I'll start later and just watch the second half. We did have an incredible view of the fireworks from our terrace. And I bumped into our friend Tynan from Cafeteria Manila who headed on to meet his wife at the end of the procession. They both enjoyed walking into the sea with the crowds. (It was a warm, muggy night.) And, thanks to Tynan, I have a couple of photos to share of the end of the procession.

I noticed some interesting contrasts during the procession. Seniors and youngsters. Dour matrons and "flashy" women. Priests and ... ? You'll get the picture. While Tynan and I were visiting, we turned around and discovered an especially surreal beach scene just as the virgin was carried by.

Come back tomorrow for the fireworks.

AN INTERESTING MIX.

A NEW ORDER?

LIFTED OVER THE SHOULDERS TO A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.

Click on any of the below to see them in all their glory.

THE VIRGIN'S VIEW.  SURREAL.

THE MUSCLEMEN'S VIEW.

INTO THE WATER.

WITH THANKS TO TYNAN FOR THESE LAST TWO
(AND FOR THE CHARMING COMPANY. IT WAS HIS IDEA TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE MUSCLEMEN).