Friday, April 10

Semana Santa

I thought I "woke up dead" this morning. There was not a sound to be heard except for the birds singing and the macaws squawking. It's Good Friday and Costarricans take this entire week VERY seriously. I've blogged about Semana Santa and how people in Costa Rica respect it with their many cultural customs. In the good ole days, EVERYTHING shut down and was closed. Now, not so much. Old timers still respect the traditions of prayer beginning on Wednesday. No cooking, no driving, no t.v., just praying and being with family. No school all week and government offices closed on Wednesday until after Semana Santa.
I live by one of the busiest highways in Costa Rica and not one semi-truck has passed this solemn Friday. Barely any cars except for a few with surfboards on top. All this week I have seen cars passing loaded down with all kinds of items from mattresses, coolers, chairs, to just about anything you can think of for family gatherings and camping. This is a time for families to come together. It is also a very spiritual time. No alcohol sold anywhere in Costa Rica right now, legally.

The song today, The Old Rugged Cross, is dedicated to my mother. I can still remember her like it was yesterday, her sitting at our piano in the "guest livingroom",,, singing and playing this song so beautifully, by heart. It was one of her favorites. She would have loved Brad Paisley's rendition of this old gospel tune.

This is my favorite time of year. It is so peaceful and quiet.
Let us pray ...

Image: I took this photo of in front of our Catholic church this morning.
There are a ton of powerlines since ICE is in the background but I tried photoshopping them out.

8 comments:

katemeri said...

Hi Teri,

It's far from quiet here. It's amazing how many people have packed into our little paradise! Tents everywhere, motorcycles, cars and quads flying up our dusty little roads, music playing, people laughing... The dogs are barking like crazy with all the people walking by.

Happy Easter!

Tica Macha said...

I know what you mean, I just came from Jaco and it's wild. More tame than in past years though. There's a big concert on my beach tomorrow. I have to find my ear plugs and get the doggie tranxs ready. :)

BreeWee said...

I was in Playa Hermosa for Easter back in 1998 (before the high way was paved) and I remember NOTHING being open and we were all hungry, that caused all of us to get together and make whatever we had between us... LOVE moments like that, all about time with people you love...

Nice dedication to you mom...HAPPY EASTER!

Tica Macha said...

Wow Bree, you do go way back,,, before the road was paved. Things sure have changed.
Seems these days (Semana Santa) are a time for reflection.

Tica Macha said...

Kate, Yesterday the traffic was going only one way,,, your way. I bet you are packed to the gills down there on the beach! It's a little crowded here but not like tomorrow!

Brett said...

Love that song, the only version I've heard is Brad Paisley. paddled out this morn very quiet, only one out bout 5:30, beautiful sunrise, great day to be alive...

Anonymous said...

Where is the concert and who is playing? It's not that electronica party is it? Bleck!

Blog Bloke - Helping You to be a Better Blogger said...

Happy Easter sweety. It's a time for death and a time for rebirth. Something we should all keep in mind. ;-)

Cheers,

...BB