Let the festivities begin!
This week is the largest festival of the year in Alicante. It is called the Festival of the Hogueras (which is a large structure, more like a work of art-see photo). It has been a great cultural experience so far, and it is also just a lot of fun! We didn't have class today and we have Monday off as well for the festival. Something that is huge here, not just twice a year, are fireworks. This past Monday I saw a firework display that put any 4th of July display I have ever seen to shame. But it doesn't stop there; each day at 2pm they set more off and have the loudest firecrackers I have ever heard. In addition to that there is a large display every night around midnight! All the streets here are closed off and each night all the families in the neighborhood go out in the streets and eat at large tables with family, friends, and neighbors. This I think has been my favorite part so far. We sit with Monolo's close friend's family and other friends, and just chat, dance, and eat together. I really feel like I am part of the family and it is a really great time. Also, each neighborhood has a DJ and above the streets there are beautiful lights like Christmas in the states. Everyone young and old makes it out to eat with the neighbors. Little kids light fire crackers, shoot off small fireworks, and play until they can't play anymore. Even the elderly are out in the street until 1am dancing and chatting with old friends.
So many things are going on around the city it is hard to even begin to see, let alone understand all of it. The other day I stumbled upon a group of teenagers playing drums. They were really good and having a great time. Since then I have seen multiple similar groups some including some brass instruments and others just a drum line. Also, on my way home from the beach I walked right into a small procession of people dressed in traditional Alicante outfits (sometimes costing up to $3000!!) with an offering of flowers. I think it is to honor Mary, but I honestly I not totally sure. Each neighborhood also has a princess who dresses in this type of clothing and it is like a beauty pageant. I haven't really seen that, but I have heard about it.
The other day I decided to take a walk and try and see as many Hogueras as possible. There are around 30 of these massive beautiful statues hidden throughout the maze of small winding streets that compose Alicante, and it was somewhat of an adventure. I think I have only seen about 10 of them, but I think I will go on another adventure tomorrow.
Although there have been many exciting things going on this week, and there are a lot of tourist in the city this week, I think what I love most about the festival is how unique it is and watching the community come together and enjoy each others' company. On the flip side I think I felt my first real twinge of home sickness this week. Yesterday I was at the beach and I was listening to a lot of the music that Garrett and I always listen to at the lake, and I was just thinking about Garrett and Tricia, Ryan and Rissa out on the boat enjoying the summer, and even though I was laying on a beautiful beach, there is something about the company and the nostalgia of 8 Point Lake that can never be replaced. I am doing fine now, and I talked to Garrett earlier, but I am sad to be missing the baby shower and not be at the lake. As usual though God knew how to take care of me. I had another opportunity to talk about God with my friend today, and I pretty much shared the Gospel with her. She has had a rough time at the churches she has attended, and I felt so blessed to be able to share truth with her. Please pray that God can soften her heart to the truth and help her to see that there is only one true God and that He will protect her from the false teachings of this world.
Standing in awe of God's ability to care for me as his daughter,
Sigourney
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| Maria (mom) Estefania and Elana-the women of the family :) |
The other day I decided to take a walk and try and see as many Hogueras as possible. There are around 30 of these massive beautiful statues hidden throughout the maze of small winding streets that compose Alicante, and it was somewhat of an adventure. I think I have only seen about 10 of them, but I think I will go on another adventure tomorrow.
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| One of the many Hogueras |
Although there have been many exciting things going on this week, and there are a lot of tourist in the city this week, I think what I love most about the festival is how unique it is and watching the community come together and enjoy each others' company. On the flip side I think I felt my first real twinge of home sickness this week. Yesterday I was at the beach and I was listening to a lot of the music that Garrett and I always listen to at the lake, and I was just thinking about Garrett and Tricia, Ryan and Rissa out on the boat enjoying the summer, and even though I was laying on a beautiful beach, there is something about the company and the nostalgia of 8 Point Lake that can never be replaced. I am doing fine now, and I talked to Garrett earlier, but I am sad to be missing the baby shower and not be at the lake. As usual though God knew how to take care of me. I had another opportunity to talk about God with my friend today, and I pretty much shared the Gospel with her. She has had a rough time at the churches she has attended, and I felt so blessed to be able to share truth with her. Please pray that God can soften her heart to the truth and help her to see that there is only one true God and that He will protect her from the false teachings of this world.
Standing in awe of God's ability to care for me as his daughter,
Sigourney
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