An interesting note on the happeneings of Semana Santa here in Costa Rica.
Traffic has been insane.
Masses are all hours of the day and are ususally packed to standing room only, as E and I discovered yesterday.
Tamales are still a special food this time of year, but are found in the form of a "tamal mudo" which literally means a "mute tamal," and while I am not sure of the origins of the name I will do some investigating and let you know...along with posting a picture of the tamal mudo I have in the mini fridge back in Monteverde.
Also, all of the local bars are closed and the sale of alcohol is prohibited. This I find particularly strange, as in the USA I have never seen or heard a state mandated reason for closing bars on religious holidays...But here there is no place to drink liquor or beer, and all of the alcohol in the grocery stores is hidden behind black plastic and tape. This was something that escaped my notice last year, as I spent Holy Week with a friend in her home, which was pretty isolated. I find the practice to be both very respectful and very absurd. What are all the folks on vacation going to do around the campfire on the beach? Or the old friends who plan to get together over this week? Yes I am aware that going to the local watering hole is not the only option, but it seems that the proprieters are missing out on business.
Anyway, if you come to visit me this time next year and your stay falls on Holy Week, don't worry, I always have a bottle of wine handy.
Thank the Lord for His sacrifice today, and Pura Vida.
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