Things are looking up in Sicily

Well, for the first time I accidentally deleted a half finished blog post. Discouraging, yes, but I am sitting in the sunshine on Easter morning in a small town in Sicily amid throngs of Italians. We are all waiting by the church for the same thing- the procession of the statue of Christ through the streets, proving, once again that he is arisen.

If you want to feel a part of something larger than yourself, ( when you are missing being with your own family) join in on a festival crowd. While waiting, many are in the cafe where I went to get good wifi, so I could send a blog post and assure those of you who keep track of us that we are , indeed, still alive. 

Most are downing a quick cafe, but I chose a lemon granita

It was delicious and refreshing !

On Friday we went to see another procession in Ispica, another town close to our home for the week, thanks to the suggestion of our host. We arrived at about 12, after one procession, but in time to hear the band play a dirge as the statue of Christ being led to the cross appeared. As Jim said" this music sounds like it should be in The Godfather. you just know somebody is going to die."

This is the poster for the various processions. It's a big deal in this town, and thousands turn out to see it.

I loved seeing the seniors dressed in Sunday best

And the stylish teens

There were hundreds of people of all ages sporting the blue capes of the local group that were bearers of the statue. " Catholic gangs" quipped Jim.

One of the most beautiful churches I have seen, painted in soft shades of sea blue.

All the ceilings are beautifully painted.

Finally we see the statue appear

There is a great cry from the bearers( in Italian, so we're not sure of the meaning) as they thrust their hands up periodically, and huge rocket fireworks are going off , rather alarmingly. 

Then the band plays another dirge, people clap, and it is over. 

We wandered out in front of the church to find the place where people dedicate a wak figure to the church, in thanks. 

These figures, along with huge candles are hung all throughout the church. They were my favorite photos of the day. I tried to get jim to buy a leg for me but he was a little reluctant, given that we would have to leave it in the church. I said my knee could use a blessing...

There was more to come, but not until 5 pm when the Roman Calvary arrived!

We went to a nearby town for lunch and a haircut.

This was a three shampoo haircut and Jim got treated well while he practiced his Italian.

We pulled into town just as the band was playing again, and moments later the Calvary came riding in.

Complete with a chariot.

Jim happened to notice on a poster that there was a solemn procession after that, so we waited in the church for a while until the statue was carried through the streets for the last time. Thousands of people had gathered, and it was really very special, and worth waiting for. The lights came on as we sped out of town.