- DSC04452
Basilica del Voto Nacional - DSC04459
We could hear music outside. It turned out that the villagers had continued their celebration outside in front of the basilica following the Misa del NiƱo Jesus (Mass for Baby Jesus). Costumed boys and girls danced, and there were also costumed men who very much acted like Bhutanese atsaras capered around. They spoke in very high voices and encouraged some of the gringo tourists to dance. - DSC04463
These costumed men acted like Bhutanese atsaras, capering around. They spoke in very high voices and encouraged some of the gringo tourists to dance. - DSC04467
Sonam with a Costumed character - DSC04478
Costumed character - DSC04481
It was quite fortuitous that we had happened to visit the basilica on this feast day (unbeknownst to us beforehand), as it really gave Sonam a feel for the modern day syncretism of colonial Catholic and pre-Columbian rituals. - DSC04484
Embossed exterior doors to the Basilica - DSC04486
The costumed villagers from Pueblo Saraguro have a procession as they leave the Basilica - DSC04489
The costumed villagers from Pueblo Saraguro have a procession as they leave the Basilica - DSC04495 - Copy
Panoramic view from El Panacillo - DSC04502
View of the Basilica from El Panacillo - DSC04504
Sonam, Steph, and Craig at El Panacillo - DSC04519
Sonam and Craig stand beneath the Virgin of Quito. People are allowed to go inside the statue and climb up to a viewpoint, but unfortunately the staff had gone to lunch and it was closed. - DSC04530
Speaking of lunch, we were getting hungry and thirsty. We bought a local chocolate bar at a souvenir stall, and then wandered over to the food stalls. Craig and I each got a sausage on a skewer, and Sonam got fries. We assumed that by the time we had finished eating, we would be able to go into the statue, but apparently the staff's lunch break wasn't over. - DSC04533
Sausage on a stick, El Panacillo