At 5AM we dragged ourselves out of bed and wandered over to the arts center. There were at least 50 people outside sitting on the sidewalks, watching us as we entered. Inside the arts center walls were at least 100 more people, some serving coffee, sweet bread, and a corn drink called atole. A small band was also there playing loudly, with gusto.
How odd, everyone so cheerful so early in the morning. Yet I too felt the joy that was present - a sense of community and tradition. I felt honored to be there, in that odd, joyful moment.
Everyone turned their coffee cups upside down and made them into candle holders. Four women carried Santa Lucia, the patron saint of Suchitoto. We processed together, singing songs in the darkness. "Es Maria la blanca paloma... que ha venido a America a traer la paz..." The sun was beginning to rise, the beginnings of light entering the sky, when we arrived at the church.
We participated in a short service with our neighbors from Barrio San Jose. I lit a candle for those I love. It was sweet, and simple, and moving.
My name is Spanish is pronounced "Llena", which means full. I do feel "full", full of gratefulness and life. And tortillas, of course!
"Remember when you were little and you thought everything was amazing? It still is."
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