The Lord of the Tremors emerged from his home in the Catedral today for his annual procession around the center of town today. Led by priests, carried high on the backs of 30 men, protected by armed guards and followed by musicians - the slow (very, very slow) and somber march lasted all day, visiting 4 churches before returning to the cathedral in the evening. This statue of Christ on the cross, darkened by years of candle and incense smoke is believed to have calmed earthquakes and is now honored each year in this grand display. David, Nancy, Debby and I caught a glimpse of the early ceremony at the alter of the Catedral, the huge front doors were opened for the first time since we have been here. Everyone was standing gathered close to the alter with the choir accompanied by violins and harps in the center. The music was incredible. Debby later went to pull the girls out of school early that day for the procession and we all met again as Senor was leaving the plaza on his way to the Iglesia de Santa Teresa. During the entire procession, red flowers of the salvia plant are thrown to his feet, body and crown of thorns from the thousands on the streets and balconies. We all stood on the street in a crowd and watched in amazement, the brass band never broke the mournful music, the smoke from the incense and the flowers always in the air.
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