Viernes de Dolores

Outside the Angela Peralta Theatre, on the corner of Mesones and Hernandas Macias, a man and a woman prepare this altar, while Mary waits patiently on the bench. The Viernes de Dolores is celebrated on the Friday before Holy Week, with altars to Mary's mourning throughout the city. Some of them are in the many public fountains, and some are inside, or outside people's homes. The entire city turns out and walks the streets, looking at the altars. The hosts give out juice and ice-cream to the neighbours and guests. Whole families wander the streets together, as always in Mexico, along with children and babies in arms. This festival is not celebrated in many areas of Mexico, and San Miguel is well known for it's love of this night.











In the photo below, the altar is complete with a child palying the living role of Mary.


The altar in the three photos beneath were taken at the fountain on Umaron, just below the Jardin.



Grass symbolizes rebirth. There is much much symbolism in the altar decorations, the colours, plants and symbols all represent different aspects of Mary and her suffering.

The altar below is on Recreo in the fountain I pass daily on my way into town. Some of the altars will be up all week, but most of them will be taken down later tonight.

Holy Week begins in earnest on Sunday, which is Palm Sunday, with serious processions in and around the city, and special masses. Tonight is a more relaxed, social evening with friends and family. During Holy Week thousands of visitors fill the city and take part in the many ceremonies. It's starting to heat up.