(THe first part of this post is right below this one)
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As you know, I am deeply moved by many of the shrines and altars and churches in our part of Mexico. You can understand, if only viscerally, how faith comforts and strengthens the poorest of the poor.
Matlalapa has two churches. I took some pictures of the smaller one at the top, far end of town.
Outside the church
And then, inside, filled with light and loveliness.
The niches have figures dressed in real clothes made for parishioners for various feast days. The clothes are changed throughout the year.
And the altar:
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A few more photos from between Matlalapa and Xico Viejo that we took on our way home.
An extemely long line of laundry.
When we got back to Xico, we drove past La Iglesia de Cristo Rey which was being readied for its fiesta which took place yesterday (I'm writing this on Monday.)
Here are some pictures, including a couple showing the large portal they put in front of the front door for feast days. Each church makes its own; each is different. As you can see, Cristos Rey is a more prosperous church than the one in Matlalapa. IT is in a new neighborhood where some pretty prosperous looking houses are going up. You can also see two of the nicho figures.
And here is Christo Rey in front of the altar for His feast day.
It had been a long day and we were hungry. We stopped at a little restaurant on a side street and had wonderful chiles rellenos in a lovely, spicey broth. You will have to come and join us one day.
There's more: a hike down a cliff to a beautiful waterfall. But that'll have to wait. Just remember, it was all within the eight hour time frame, though!
Be sure to check out John Calypso's blog for an account of why we were all awakened with what sounded like bomb blasts at 3 or so on Sunday morning (in the AM, that is). www.vivaveracruz.com/blog.