Neighborhood Battalions

We were sitting in the apartment thinking about the things we want to do before wrapping up our time in Guanajuato when a parade literally marched down the street. We looked over our terrace and didn’t see much, but there was no mistaking the sounds of drums and trumpets getting closer and closer. We put on our zapatos and ran downstairs to the park just outside.

When we got down to the street, we saw several folks hopping off a bus with more trumpets and drums (either late-comers or cheaters) and running down to the other end of the park. We followed and found groups of costumed participants playing or waiting their turn to make some noise. There really didn’t seem to be much organization. Multiple bands would be playing as loud as possible immediately adjacent to each other, apparently trying to drown each other out.

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After looking a little closer we noticed that each group had some sort of “Battalion” banner with a possible indication of neighborhood affiliation on it. Some were dressed casually with only matching shirts and some were festooned in feathers and full warrior regalia, swinging machetes wildly.

Being in a band only seemed to require desire (or possibly obligation) and the ability to play loudly. Actual musical ability seemed to be less important.  The bands consisted of all ages too – no one was too small to clang cymbals together and march down the street.

We’re still not really sure what the occasion was, but there were some sort of pall-bearers carrying statues of Mary and Jesus. Even the kids had smaller versions to drag down the street.

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Less than twenty minutes later, everyone had played and danced and already began marching back down the street. Our neighborhood had been entertained and they were off to spread more merriment as quickly as they arrived.

Also, we just started an experiment with a Bodeswell Facebook page. If you’re a Facebooker, go ahead and “Like” us or “Friend” us and let’s see what happens…

BodesWell.com on Facebook
(?!)

2 thoughts on “Neighborhood Battalions

  • April 20, 2010 at 8:57 AM
    Permalink

    Hey, Just checking in to say Hi!
    Looks like you guys are having an amazing time! Happy Birthday to Bode!
    We love reading your posts, Thanks

    Dave

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