Easter week

Well, for the second time, I lost a blog post....you'd think I'd learn. I haven't been able to get wifi on my iPad at our house so when I could today, I got excited. I'm gonna try one more time.

Yesterday was Easter and we decided to go see the procession in Scicli, a small town nearby. I know that these processions were taking place all across Italy this last week, and that is primarily why we wanted to be in Sicily at this time.

We arrived about 10:30, with plenty of time to find parking. It was beautiful and sunny, so spending time people watching was the best way to while away the time. I told Jim that if not for coming to these processions, we would never have seen so many Italians dressed to the nines. And it is true that from 3 to ninety three, everyone was stylin' for Easter! Jim saw one young boy of about 3 wearing a navy pinstripe suit, bow tie, sunglasses and blue suede shoes. They start em young. 

Most of the younger men and boys were sporting bow ties and sunglasses. Actually, I think one of 

my sons might be Italian, because he would blend right in...

We thought we were coming to see the procession of the Madonna, but these three tykes are sitting at the feet of Jesus, so I guess Madonna was in Modica...

There was a lot of milling about in front of the church as people waited for Jesus to make an appearance. We happily observed the observant.

This was our favorite outfit, but I couldn't even figure out how she kept up her stockings with just those tiny bows.

And from behind...

We were so involved in our people watching, and waiting for Christ to make an appearance, that we were unaware of of the crowds that had gathered.

All along the road leading up to the church

I was kind of shocked. Seemed like a few people liked to view this procession...

The dignitaries started arriving , so we knew it couldn't be long now.

plus, the huge exploding rocket fireworks were being set off every few minutes.

They teased us by bringing the statue near the front of the church, them taking him back inside. This happened several times before he came out into the sunshine, to great cheering from the crowd, hands outstretched.

As soon as he came out, a bunch of young women started running downhill. I soon figured out why, as the men carrying the statue wove and spun the huge thing crazily one way, then another pushing the crowd with them. Most people loved it- Jim included! But I have this teensy fear of being trampled in a crowd so I was less enthusiastic. 

Still he came, ever closer. 

I loved the way he seemed to be saying "Hey, I'm alive. No worries. High five!" The mood was jubilant as he made his way spinning and lurching down the hill. The band played a lively, upbeat tune, and I was happy once safely down the hill. 

We celebrated by having an Easter lunch of some unusual dishes. Not what we wanted to order, but what was on offer from the Pascua lunch menu.

Jim had the lamb innards pasta

And I had the fish mousse filled ravioli.

Maybe not our most memorable meal,  but the day of "the running of Jesus" ( like the running of the bulls)will never be forgotten. It was crazy and fun and scary. Just like Easter should be.