Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Day 7 - Zaragoza: Day of the Pilar

Oct. 12 - Day of the Pilar

This is the day in which Catholics come to the Pilar Cathedral to honor "Nuestra Señora del Pilar", the patron saint of Spain and Latin America. People dress in their native garb "traje baturro" and come to the Pilar to make an offering of flowers to the Virgin.


This is my friend Simona. She is from Romania and is one of SIXTEEN brothers and sisters. Can you even believe that? Eight of them have immigrated to Spain. Simona and I met when I lived there six years ago, and I think the fact that we were both outsiders in Spanish culture helped us to form a quick bond. She had Hubs and I over for lunch, and then the three of us headed over to the Pilar to check out the festivities.


Here, Hubs and I are standing inside of the Pilar Cathedral. Behind us, through the doors, you can see the massive floral offering outside in the square.


Since we are not Catholic, we didn't participate in the offering, but it is a sight to behold!



This unsuspecting family had no idea Hubs was clicking away at their awesome get-ups!


This is a video of a man singing a "jota" about the Virgin of the Pilar:




Here is a group doing a folkloric dance with beating sticks:





3 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow! What a fabulous time you and your hubby had! Thanks for sharing your adventures in Spain with us! xo

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh! You are making me long to go to Spain more and more with each post! The videos have now done me in, and I'm HOOKED! We had a friend (our downstairs neighbor) who went with her German husband every summer to some small little fishing town and rented a villa there. She said it was soooo afordable and one of the best places she'd been in her life. I'm adding it to my list!!

Tracy said...

Allison,

It really is one of my favorite places in the world! Glad you're enjoying my photo tour. :)