Corpus Christi Procession

11:25pm (Sunday)

Hola!

Today is the celebration of Corpus Christi in the Catholic Church. In Spain, to celebrate these special days, there are processions in the streets. A large group of us attended Mass this afternoon and watched the parade that followed.

Mass was held in the Cathedral here, which is beautiful and has gothic style ceilings and something resembling gold fences at the front and back of the church. All the children who received First Communion this year attended as well. It was standing room only!

The First Communion dresses here are more detailed than those in the US. They have to be extremely expensive. The girls looked absolutely beautiful. The boys wore outfits similar to military uniforms with badges and cuffs. It was almost an oxymoron because I didn’t think someone that young should be wearing an outfit that appeared so prestigious.

The Mass here is very similar the one in the US; however, I only know how to say the “Our Father” and “Amen” in Spanish. I guess if they ever to use Latin I’ll be ok there as well. I hope to find a book on the Mass in Spanish very soon.

After communion, guess what, almost half the congregation left. Not much changes in Europe. It was kind of comical that this “tradition” continues here as well.

The processional that followed Mass was very moving and foreign to me. The bishop said Mass and was led out of the Church under an piece of fabric held up on all four corners. He held the Body of Christ. It was then placed on this huge float of gold and flowers. I will try to attach a picture to show you how ornate it was. I was extremely impressed.

The procession lasted for three (3) hours and the streets were flooded with people. I believe that 80% of the population here in Catholic. Therefore, the Church has Mass at every hour on Sunday! No excuse for not going…

After Mass we went to McDonalds to use free wi-fi and have a good ole American snack. I had ice cream for one Euro (I guess it is on the dollar menu of Spain)

My family had tortilla Española for us tonight, which I enjoyed very much. It looks like very thick cornbread but is made of tortillas, eggs, one onion, and a little bit of milk. Ever since I’ve been sick, I have been more timid about eating new food. The food tonight was safe and worry free. Earlier, we ate lunch on the family’s back porch. It was a beautiful day.

We do not receive much rain at all during June and July. My rain jacket took up precious space in my suitcase…

Hasta luego amigos!