In between all of these interesting conversations, “La Harranah” was taking place! It all started at 4 o’clock in the morning with the squeal of two pigs. This is a traditional celebration in the state of Yucatan. A 6 piece band marched down the street & hand-made fireworks were set off to announce the fiesta. They ended up at casa #7, where they set 4 pots of “relleno negro” (a black sauce made of spices & chilies served with chicken and pork) into the underground pit. Men were stirring away, while the women added salt, and all the while, the band entertained us all. I enjoyed sitting back & observing the excitement on their faces, in their voices & laughter! The meal of the day was “chicharron” (deep fried pig fat) with refried beans. (Pass.) It was a cold rainy day; but that didn’t stop them from hanging a tarp across the street to dance under! Women wore their “huipeles” (embroidered dresses) and men wore their traditional white clothing & cowboy style sombreros. Lalo and I got up and snapped our fingers and kicked our feet like 2 outsiders trying to fit in on the dance floor! I’m not sure if those standing by were laughing at or with us! At about 10 a.m. the next morning, the band resumed their position at the pit, while they removed the pots from the “oven”! It was a bit spicy, and quite flavorful. Lalo wasn’t as brave as me.. (sorry Lalo ☺)! We escaped before the pig head was paraded through the center of the pueblo, marking the end of “La Harranah” until next December.
On our way out of town, I was asked to pray for Florencio. His family members said that, “he just isn’t right, although the doctors can’t explain why at any given moment he acts as if he is drunk”. They admitted going to brujas (witches) for “help”. He repented, asked Jesus to enter his heart, and broke all curses in His name! Please keep Florencio in your prayers.
