Pre-Christmas celebration (La Purisima)

On Friday, Dec. 8, many Catholics celebrate the Conception of the Virgin Mary. In Nicaragua, those celebrations, called La Purisima, last nearly 2 days, not counting the nearly 2 weeks of pre-Purisima celebrations. How do Nicaraguans mark the occasion? Fireworks, fireworks, and more fireworks! There were so many on Thursday night and Friday morning that we could smell the gunpowder in the air. And I think my ears are still ringing. Thursday night also included a combo of Christmas Caroling and Halloween - families went door to door singing carols about Mary, and each house then passed out treats (mainly candy and fruit). Friday was a national holiday (no work) and many attended special masses honoring Mary´s purity. It´s interesting to reflect on this holiday in light of Beth`s comments about the role and strengths of women here.

I´ve been helped by Henri Nouwen´s perspective in his book ¡Gracias! A Latin American Journal, and his entry for Dec. 8. He reminds us that in the midst of poverty and heartache, Mary´s words in Luke 1.52-53 ring with hope, "He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty."

The photos are from a parade that passed our house Sunday a week ago as part of the pre-Purisima celebrations.

--Alan