MUNGO EATS Latin America

Well, it would seem this is the case in Antigua.  In the past week, we have been witness to 4 parades.  The first parade took place during the morning break at the school earlier this week.  I am not sure of the reason behind this first parade, actually , I’m not sure of the reason behind any of the parades I have witnessed here, but the first parade was made up of what looked like high school kids.  I thought I heard someone say they were celebrating the history of education in the city…I don’t know.  In any case, there were at least 4 marching bands, baton twirlers, dancing girls, etc.  I did not have my camera with me that day, so no photos of the first parade. 

This morning we were walking toward the center of town to have breakfast and we first saw a parade of kids.  The 5-6 year old kids were dressed in costumes of various “ethnicities”.  We saw kids dressed up as ancient Arabs, Orientals, Romans, Egyptians and Vikings.  Again, I have no idea of the motive of this parade, but the kids were cute.

As we were leaving the town center, we came across a bunch of people, in various roads,  laying down “mats” of grass and flowers.  As you can see, some of these mats were quite extensive.  Some were smaller, only “patches” or “pictures” of flowers. This parade was religious in nature.  A parade of people walked through these flowers.  Some of the people wore interesting costumes, some were carrying incense, one group of men (and 1 woman), was carrying a very large, VERY heavy looking “float” with the Virgin Mary on top of it.    The men were arranged in order  of shortest to tallest along the side of the float.  They all wore very somber expressions. 

  I’m sure it was hard work walking through town like that.  Following the only float of the parade was a marching band, and following this was the flower clean up crew. 

Interesting, very interesting!