Ponferrada celebrates its birth 100 years ago!
Trip Start
Apr 27, 2008
1
6
27
Trip End
Jun 05, 2008
Ponferrada,
Castile-León,
Spain
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Dear family and friends,
Another taxi takes Jean and me into Ponferrada to our fine hostal while the guys don backpacks and join us at the appointed hour (read--They didnīt get lost). In fact they rarely have problems following the yellow arrows which point the way on the Camino.
This is a much larger town, of around 5,000 and after a visit to the Castle (built by the Templars who became such a strong organization that the Catholics eventually wiped them out), Jean and I ingest some of the local Bierzo history in the wonderful museum, formerly a jail. (Our country should take a cue on the best use of jails!) We also visit the church and find out that there will be a special procession this afternoon to comemorate the 100th year anniversary of the founding of the town, as well as, the coronation of the Virgen of Encina
...and the bands played
.Sue and Dick just about run from the hostal to find the townspeople gathering for the parade! People dress up in this part of the Spain and today is not exception. There are townspeople (mostly older), clergy from all over Spain including the Archbishop of Seville (!), nuns, a band, one float with a saint all decorated for the event, clerical guards and much more. You have got to see our photos!! This parade is truly a highlight so far. The Spaniards take their religion seriously.
Tonight we sleep well and plan for tomorrow. The Camino is a metaphor for life, one step at a time.
Ciao, Dick and Sue
Comments
Spain
I'm enjoying your trip. Hope you are feeling better.