So the “gringo” interpretation of the Dia de los Flores as I understand it is a bit of a double meaning, both modern and traditional. The more modern version of the celebration takes place on the Thursday night before, when vendors gather selling Easter baskets and toys. And of course the vendors assemble with their stands of flowers for sale. This sale of flowers appears to bridge the modern with the traditional.
Guanajuato’s celebration includes a historic romantic angle as well, “Baile de las flores” or Dances with Flowers which carries on into the night. Once the dances end, the young singles gather in the Jardin de Union. There was a time when young men would walk in one direction, while the young women traveled in another, eyeing each other up as their paths crossed. If there appeared to be mutual interest, then flowers were presented. Sort of Mexico’s version of The Bachelor, i.e. “Will you accept this rose?” While this tradition has faded over the years, the custom of giving flowers is still very much alive.
But come morning, things get serious as the tradition shifts to the more devout. I get advice from a local to arrive early, for the women begin to gather the flowers in the early morning hours for the building of the altars to honor the Virgin de los Dolores. I am out of bed and down the stairs by 8:30am…still late by the local’s standards. Activities are already in full swing.
As someone who is not religious, the many “Virgins” of Catholicism have always been confusing to me. But one of the things I enjoy most about travel is learning about other cultures. And no other cultural aspect runs deeper in Mexico than their devotion to the Virgin Mary, often perceived to be more popular than Jesus himself. For example, the image of the Virgin de Guadalupe graces every doorstep, every home, every business. But how does she differ from the Virgin de los Dolores, who seems to take center stage during Easter? Not knowing the difference, I asked…
As I understand it, there are many “versions of the virgin,” but they are all the Virgin Mary, and differ depending on her state of being. For example, the ubiquitous Virgin de Guadalupe refers to a location near Mexico City called the Valle de Guadalupe, where the image of Mary was believed to be seen in on multiple occasions back in 1531, ergo her prominence in Mexico.
Virgin de los Dolores signifies the Virgin Mary in her sorrowful state, because she has learned of the impending crucifixion of her son. For this reason, this festival has particular significance in Guanajuato. The town was founded on the mining industry, which claimed the sacrifice of many “sons.” Therefore, the Virgin de los Dolores has greater significance in Guanajuato than it might in other cities, as she is associated with the mothers of the miners. The Spanish word “Dolores” translates to the plural of “sorrow.”
So the erecting of altars to the Virgin of the Sorrows is a big deal in Guanajuato. In fact, there are six cash prizes for the best altar, ranging from 1,500 Pesos (about $75) for Sixth Place, all the way up to 4,000 Pesos ($200) for First Place. This is a good deal of prize money in Mexico, and can more than make up for the materials invested.
Each item on the altar has some significance. The altars are covered in flowers of purple and white. A statue of Mary is cloaked in purple for sorrow, with the back drop draped in white cloth to signify purity. Bitter oranges represent “sorrow” while spray painted gold to signify the resurrection. Pots of sprouting wheat represent the Eucharist.
These altars range from the smallest with nothing more than a picture of the Virgin and a few pieces of fruit, up to multi-tiered, elaborately decorated platforms. Interestingly enough, aside from the main altar in town and those in the churches, the two most elaborate creations I saw were inside private homes, both of my landlady, and the home behind the tiny “tienda” or market a few steps from my front door. This tienda is smaller than most closets by US standards, yet with great pride, they invited me in their home for refreshments to show off their altar gracing an entire alcove in their modest home. Bestowed with flowers, fruit, the picture of the virgin framed with flowers and purple and white crepe paper, it was an impressive testament to living their faith.
Since the party has been going on all night, a hearty breakfast also plays into the tradition. In fact, there is a giant tent outside Teatro Juarez serving free breakfast to the masses. A fancy buffet and decorative tables are set in the outdoor restaurants in the Jardin for government officials who apparently sponsor a lot of the freebies.
The one tradition I’ve not been able to “translate” is the giving of ice cream, shaved ice, and flavored waters. I understand it is to signify the tears of Mary, but in the form of “snow?” Why snow?? I have yet to find the answer to this question. However, that doesn’t stop me from partaking in the free ice cream being dipped out on all corners of the Jardin. There are frozen popsicles, hand-shaved flavored ice, and hand cranked ice cream in a multitude of flavors. No boring vanilla here, as the flavors include tropical fruits, nuts, and a rainbow of colored ices.
By noon, the altar offerings of free ice cream and agua frescas, or fruit-flavored waters are closing up shop. The flower stands remain a while longer. But I think the most impressive part of the entire festival is the fact that a mere 24 hours later, with great efficiency and expediency, the altars are disassembled and the streets are swept clean without a trace of the festival remaining. Just like a night blooming flower that only makes its appearance once a year, then withers away without a trace, it’s as if this biggest of festivals in Guanajuato, Dia de los Flores, never happened…
Very impressive. What is most unusual is that the give-away items are sponsored. This seems like such an excellent way to handle the passing out of the treats without having to handle money. Even if there were just “tickets” involved, it would still require diligence and bookkeeping.
I think Americans get overly involved with making sure that “fair is fair”, i.e. that NO ONE gets more than his share of the goodies. But for the most part, it would seem from what I have read on your site and others about the Mexican culture, this would not be much (if any) of an issue. After all, how much shaved ice can one eat?
And the clean up routine is fabulous. So many times there is a lot of “residue” where an event has taken place.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Religious I am not, but I love flowers and can appreciate their beauty. My maternal grandmother could make a rock blossom and unfortunately I did not inherit her abilities, but I did get some of her appreciation of the beauty of flowers. Thanks.
What a fabulous time to be in Guanajuato and experience their traditions and festivals. You’ve communicated so well with both words and pictures your experience I feel part of it.
I like to think of the Virgin de Guadalupe as the guardian of the grapes in the Valle de Guadalupe between Tecate and Ensenada. Some good wines come out of there 🙂
Fascinating story.
Thank you.
Ed
Thanks for taking us along on your “immersion.”
The more I read your posts, the more I wish we could have made the journey south. Thanks for the lesson on the many “Virgins”. Being a cradle Catholic, it is surprising how much I learned about this religion later in life.
As I have been caring for a gravely ill family member I have been away from this box that sits on my desk…please know I treasure every post you write, sharing your life’s adventures. When I allow myself a moment’s breather I always come to your space for my own respite…you take me to beautiful places in memorable ways. Thank you so much for telling your life story in a manner that transports my mundane to places beyond the rainbow. So happy for you that you are enjoying a vivid, if only temporary, life in Mexico! 🙂