A PROCESSION. 



215 



man, I had beheld the same representation of the de- 

 scent from the cross ; but the enthusiasm of Greek pil- 

 grims in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was nothing 

 compared with this whirlwind of fanaticism and phren- 

 sy. By degrees the excitement died away ; the crack- 

 ing of the pine branches ceased, the whole arbour was 

 broken up and distributed, and very soon commenced 

 preparations for the grand procession. 



We went out with the corregidor and officers of the 

 municipality, and took our place in the balcony of the 

 cabildo. The procession opened upon us in a manner 

 so extraordinary, that, screening myself from observa- 

 tion below, I endeavoured to make a note of it on the 

 spot. The leader was a man on horseback, called the 

 centurion, wearing a helmet and cuirass of pasteboard 

 covered with silver leaf, a black crape mask, black vel- 

 vet shorts and white stockings, a red sash, and blue and 

 red ribands on his arms, a silver-hilted sword, and a 

 lance, with which, from time to time turning round, he 

 beckoned and waved the procession on. Then came a 

 led horse, having on its back an old Mexican saddle 

 richly plated with silver. Then two men wearing long 

 blue gowns, with round hoods covering their heads, and 

 having only holes for the eyes, leading two mules 

 abreast, covered with black cloth dresses enveloping 

 their whole bodies to their feet, the long trains of which 

 were supported by men attired like the other two. 

 Then followed the large silver cross of the crucifixion, 

 with a richly-ornamented silver pedestal, and ornaments 

 dangling from each arm of the cross that looked like 

 lanterns, supported by four men in long black dresses. 

 Next came a procession of Indians, two abreast, wearing 

 long black cloaks, with black felt hats, the brims six or 

 eight inches wide, all with lighted candles in their 



