46 A YEAR OF COSTA RICAN NATURAL HISTORY 



Soledad to San Nicolas, escorting a life-size Christ seated 

 on a gold chair. The figure was dressed in red and gold, hat- 

 less but with a large nimbus. Immediately behind walked 

 some priests most elaborately dressed, and back of them the 

 band, the drums beating a strange muffled tattoo when we 

 heard it. The usual crowd of men and boys surged down the 

 street after the procession, the women and girls walking on 

 the sidewalks only. 



On Tuesday the procession of Jesus of Nazareth left San 

 Nicolas church about 6.45 P. M., went south two blocks, 

 then east to the Soledad and returned to San Nicolas by the 

 main street. There were many men bearing square glass- 

 sided lanterns with one candle inside, mounted on long poles 

 and held high in the air. Each lantern, from a distance, gave 

 a cross-shaped light so marked that when the men came near 

 it was hard to believe the lanterns were simply square-sided 

 boxes. The lanterns walked on each side and behind the 

 figures, but not in front. The police, caps in hand, kept the 

 street clear of men and boys immediately in front of the 

 procession. The first figure was a life-size standing St. John 

 in blue carrying a large cup — shaped like a huge double egg- 

 cup — in his right hand. Next came a life-size standing Christ 

 in red, with bowed head and bound hands; in addition to the 

 carriers, men walking on each side held long red cords that 

 seemed to be fastened to the hands. (In the flickering 

 torchlight it was impossible to see details.) Priests followed 

 the Christ, then the band playing a very mournful and sub- 

 dued air. The third figure was a standing Virgin with eyes 

 and head upraised — also in blue. This figure was carried 

 by young girls. Then followed more priests and the usual 

 crowd. As the swaying figures and twinkling lights passed 

 slowly down the street and around the corner into the church, 

 accompanied by the mournful music, the effect was impres- 

 sive and solemn, almost beautiful. 



