Holy Monday (Lunes Santo)

Parked on base and just walked over to the Parroquia del Carmen church. We came early and still didn't get a good spot but we were a little bit closer to the church entrance. There wasn't much room in front of the church and the street was narrow.

Here's the La Cruz de Guia (Guide Cross) leading the procession. We had to stay infront of the church to wait for the two floats to come out and then had to run through the alleys to get to the front and take pictures. Mom stayed on the sidewalk for the stills while I climbed up on the railing to shoot videos.

There were two floats this time - one depicting Jesus Christ on the cross and the Virgen Dolorosa. The first float was smaller and lighter than a regular 'paso' and the 'costaleros' (float carriers) were outside around the float and not wearing the pointed caps. The bed of the float is covered with red flowers. Not sure what the symbolism was but I think it was either for blood or suffering.


















Once it was outside, the priest standing on the balcony above the entrance recited the introductory prayers of the Stations of the Cross and then the First Station.




The float for the Virgen Dolorosa came out afterwards and it was decorated with tall candles and flowers which was the most common setup. Unlike the bigger churches, the float does not have a canopy supported by the 'varales' which accentuates the swaying motion created by the 'costaleros' as they march.









The band followed afterwards with the 'costaleros' swaying the float in time with the music. Here are pictures of mom's co-worker who was a band member and the little drummer boy.









The acolytes performing their duties while being watched by the 'manangs' (hermanas). Note their 'escapularios'.









The 'penitentes' leading the 'Virgen Dolorosa' float.









The 'costaleros' carrying the 'Virgen Dolorosa' float. They are dressed like the 'penitentes' since they're outside. Note how tight their formation is.










Mom took this picture after the procession passed.