As we got closer to the cathedral, there were lines of people on either side of the road. It looked like a procession would be moving through soon. During holy week, clergy and penitent organizations carry from their church a platform with a religious image through the streets. Generally it starts at the church the platform is from and goes to the main cathedral of the area. We were definitely in the main area of traffic!
We tried to get off to the side but many folks indicated we need to move on. They had claimed their spot and we needed to find ours. We didn't know which way to go though as we had no idea where in town and from what church the religious float was coming from.
Once we got closer to the cathedral square I saw the platform, which was in the square. Fortunately it was at rest but we had to act fast as I saw a bishop or high ranking priest moving towards the platform with a band! Sure enough, as we dove off to the side, and crouched down so as not to impede peoples view, the band started up. We were right by the platform with the ceremony starting.
It was quite the thing to be in the middle of.
The men holding the platform were swaying back and forth while the music played jubilantly. A news crew was nearby and we hoped that we would not draw attention to ourselves.
A man, who would have been part of the team holding the platform, was standing off to the side of the platform with a sleeping child cradled in his arms while rocking in time with the platform and music. It was a unique moment to observe.
About 20 minutes later the platform was carried out and away to be paraded through the streets.
Another five minutes later and we could stand up. It was over and the crowd was either following the procession or leaving the square.
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