Last night two men went to Otitlán for the blessing of the palm crosses. At nine in the morning the women arrived, one by one, to the church, each with a bouquet of flowers, which she put on the altar or at the foot of the images [Saints]. The flowers were either red or white—tulips, bougainvillea, gardenia, and a few marigolds. At ten o’clock the men arrived with burlap bags filled with crosses. The crosses were six to eight inches [tall]. The largest crosses, with an edge in the form of an arch, were given to the Prayer Leaders. San Martín was lowered from the altar and carefully dusted. Then the hair of San Martín was adorned with colored ribbons and a palm cross was placed in his hands. At his feet were placed branches of yellow orchids brought from the mountains.
A straw mat was put on the floor of the church in front of the women who were seated on both sides of the room. The crosses and the flowers were placed on the straw mat. The women were squatting around the straw mat, putting three or four flowers on each cross.
Three Young Boys; Palm Sunday
The women distributed two crosses to each person (only one when there are many people). They lit their candles. The procession departed just as on Friday of Sorrows, but with the addition of San Martín (who substituted for San Salvador on his burro, for lack of that image). Only women and the Prayer Leader took part in this procession.
Procession, Palm Sunday, San Martín
Procession, Palm Sunday, San Martín
Procession, Palm Sunday, San Martín
Procession, Palm Sunday, San Martín
Procession, Palm Sunday, San Martín
When the procession ended they replaced the Saints in the church and moved the orchids to the feet of Christ.
They took off the ribbons and returned San Martín to his place on the altar.
Before the procession one of the Prayer Leaders explained the events to come. After (the procession) one of the women (who directed the procession on Friday of Sorrows as well) gave an informal speech, providing instructions for the celebration of Maundy Thursday. Then the Secretary gave another speech.
They sang the same prayers before, during, and after the procession.
The people left after the speeches.