Friday, January 06, 2006
Cabalgata de Los Reyes Garachico 2006
Wrapped up in too many layers against a wind that never blew, thankfully, we made it down to Garachico last night to join all the other kids to await the arrival of The Three Kings. Most people - Christian or not - will be familiar with the basic story and the order of business for the annual parade varies little from year to year (we have already described it here), but this still remains a really entertaining night out for kids of all ages.
Everyone turned out: from sleeping toddlers in push chairs (right through fanfares and fireworks) to a certain old lady of 80+, going on eight. Even teenagers - those people who, in most situations, "wouldn't be seen dead" at organized activities - helped line the streets and gleefully cheered on their favorite monarch.
One cannot really get across in mere pictures the true atmosphere, excitement and expectation, but, nevertheless, above are some shots from the Cabalgata de Los Reyes in Garachico 2006. For my money, the little goat - who had around half a dozen shepherds to watch over him - was the star of the show.
The humble and half-ruined stable, complete with manger, was erected outside the church of Nuestra Señora de Los Angeles, while an arabesque facade was added to Garachico's Town Hall to convert it into the Kings' Palace for the night. Roman Centurions stood guard outside the Castillo San Miguel and a Mounted guard, provided by Herod, were sent to accompany the Kings to the outskirts of the city of Bethlehem and the little drummer boy shows that even a Roman army needs a beat to march to. And attendants take care of camel transportation, for Gaspar, Melchor and Baltasar.
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