Moors and Christians Still at it

Well, it's an old story, danced out once again in front of our church this morning. About the year 700 Muslims from Northern Africa ("Moors")conquered Christian Spain, built mosques on ruins of churches and ruled the next 700 years m/l. Then Isabela and Ferdinand reconquered the land and threw out the Moors about the time the New World was "discovered". (Also throwing out the Jews at the same time)This is memorialized in a dance developed by the converted indigenous populaton here, performed in wildly colorful costumes with almost 2 ft. long real machetes, which are clashed on the ground, then between the opposing sides. We have angels, bishops and knights on one side, and exotic "moors" on the other in peaked hats, flowing veils, little mirrors sewn to the costumes.

Here, to celebrate the changeover of "mayordomos" (those in charge of various parish responsabilities) LOUD fireworks began last night, early this am, then Mass and the dance (done by 7 to 10 year olds) in front of the church.

Now, can you imagine giving machetes to a crowd of children, and teaching them to DANCE in close proximity, surrounded by admiring crowds?
NOW do you believe this is a different world down here? Did you think the war going on now is a NEW thing?
Better review your history! Will try to get a photo on the husband's blog: Rejobot.blogspot.com