Viernes de Dolores shrine on Mesones, San Miguel de Allende
Here in Mexico, Holy Week, Semana Santa, begins on the last Friday of Lent with Viernes de Dolores, the Friday of Sorrows, referring to the seven sorrows of Mary. In the evening, many roads are closed and wonderful shrines appear, some in the middle of the street, featuring an image of the Virgin among a mass of flowers, fruit, candles, and particularly chamomile which is strewn over the ground. Most interesting are those that are created in the entradas or courtyards of the most grand to the most humble of houses. In each case, the owner offers drinks or food to all who visit. Here on Mesones, a children’s choir also sang in a side gallery to this patio.