Mike, Esther, and Baby Ines
The highlight of the week was Baby Ines’s baptism last night at a nearby church. She’s the youngest daughter of our downstairs neighbors, Mike and Esther. The church is old and beautiful and near the cathedral – and boy was it packed for Saturday night. As we entered the church, a quincinera was concluding – the 15-year-old girl was dressed in her finery. I always see these huge brightly colored dresses in dress shop windows, but had never seen one “in action” before – they are quite striking! We were seated in a side chapel (a transept chapel?). From there we first watched a wedding mass, then it was time for the five baptisms. As we exited the church, it was standing room only for the next wedding – lots going on!
Quincinera dress in action
Quincinera exiting the church
As we exited, we strolled through the plaza in front of the cathedral – it’s THE place to be on a Saturday night. It had a carnival atmosphere with all kinds of food vendors, vendors selling religious and other trinkets, music, and a clown performing for the kids who drew a huge crowd. Families were strolling and sitting on benches – it looked like a pretty nice way to pass the evening.
Zapopan cathedral at night
When we got back to the apartment, Mike and Esther had a large dinner party in the club room downstairs. We enjoyed visiting with her mom and brother – we’ve met her mother several times and she’s a lot of fun. Esther had the room decked out beautifully, and just came upstairs to give us two of the centerpieces – quite lovely.
At the party
It was all a fun glimpse into a variety of family rituals in Mexico!