SAN LUIS POTOSI, MEXICO PART 4

“If you never go, you will never know.” Anonymous

One of the interesting things I have experienced is that when talking to Mexicans about us moving to Mexico, I am always asked why. I tell them that, first and foremost, we love the Mexican people. Then the culture, climate (we moved from Canada) and the food. It always felt so pat to say, but it is so true. Over the years, we have experienced the kindness and acceptability of the Mexican people. We have been invited a few times to join a birthday party just because we wished them a Happy Birthday as we walked by.

One story: We had just dropped a friend off at the airport and were returning home. Across the street from the junction were billboards. We never paid much attention to them before, but this time, there were many cars. We wondered if behind the billboards was a restaurant. So, we decided to check it out. We parked and went behind the billboards and entered a private wedding reception, not a restaurant! One man jumped up and came over to us. We were apologizing and tried to leave, but he insisted we stay. He said, “We are having a mariachi band from Guadalajara play for us, and you have to stay and listen.”  So, we sat down, and he brought us beer, and we listened to the band. They were very good but very loud. We did leave after a few songs.

Another story: My husband was having a medical issue, and we called a taxi to take us to the clinic. The landlords, who lived in the same complex, heard the commotion and came out. They were upset that we did not ask them. They got their children out of bed and followed us in their truck. Once at the clinic, the husband exchanged vehicles with another family member whose truck could seat more people. The whole family waited with us at the clinic until we could leave and then drove us back home.

Mexican people respect their elders and spend all their time with their children. You can go to any park and watch the kids being kids and the parents participating or watching.

Another thing we love about Mexico is its culture. They have not let it die; seeing that is wonderful. Even the younger people still value their culture. I hope that time does not change that.

Mexico’s food is not just tacos and burritos, although there are plenty of them, and they are very good. Each State and region has its own specialty, which can vary a lot between states. Unfortunately, I do not like hot, spicy food, but I will try a little. It is fun to eat different types of food. If you are a foodie, you will love Mexico’s varied food.

On one of our walks, I decided to take pictures of some of the artwork adorning a few buildings and some random shots of other things of interest.

 

PART FOUR (a) to be continued.

On Good Friday, we rented an Airbnb on the Procession of Silence route. The Procession of Silence takes place in the historical center every Good Friday. It is a major tourist event, attracting over 160,000 visitors. Thousands of people line the streets. No one speaks during the procession’s hours.

A simple explanation was given to me by a local. The different brotherhoods, identified by the colour of their tunics and hoods, walk in front of the Virgin Mary to accompany her after the death of Jesus. This takes 2 ½ hours. Each brotherhood walks slowly to the beat of drums. The hoods were started centuries before in Spain, before the Klu Klux Klan. From what I was told, the KKK took that idea to humiliate the Catholic Church.

The Procession starts at 8:00 p.m. from the El Carmen Church. Each brotherhood carries platforms with religious images, some of which can weigh up to 500 kilograms. Some platforms are made locally, and others are imported from Seville, Spain.

Not only do the brotherhoods participate, but also women, children, Roman soldiers, bullfighters, politicians, and artists.

In the videos, you will notice men and women in suits walking along with the participants. They are there to look after their group, giving candy for energy, adjusting the headsets if needed, and ensuring that the participants are in line with each other.

It was fascinating to have thousands of people not speak for 2 ½ hours.

I am posting a few videos but each one is less than two minutes. They will give you a better idea of what it was like. Enjoy!

 

We had a lovely Airbnb, Los Lofts. This Airbnb is an excellent choice if you are in San Luis Potosi. It is located in Centro. Link below.

https://www.airbnb.mx/rooms/8792579