I think we are in a parallel universe here. Last night was the tree-lighting ceremony. Workmen have been busy scraping all the metal benches and repainting them; others have been replacing cobblestones in the streets, and poinsettias are placed all around. Nobody steals them or defaces anything in the plaza.
We sat above in a terrazzo bar and watched the sun set, then went down to the plaza. Got an ear of corn from one of the vendors and watched as people streamed into the plaza. The band set up; their first number was "Strangers in the Night". Could be interesting to make that work theologically...
Candied apples and toys were being sold to the many children in the plaza. The intersections of the streets nearest to the jardin have lights strung across.
But then they gradually moved into Christmas music, and the countdown to lighting the tree began, led by characters on stilts (St. Michael as an angel, a candle, an Elf, a penguin) fireworks and dancing. Adeste Fidelis and Silent Night were sung in Spanish.
We moved a few feet away, and heard other music. Drifting off to the side of the plaza we encountered a pre- wedding party with a 20 piece band (including a sousaphone!), dancing puppet people, and a crowd that followed as they paraded down a side street. The elder members of the families were in a little coach pulled by a donkey.
The most unique tree lighting ceremony we've ever attended.
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