My path took me by Our Lady (or the Virgin) of Solitude multiple times today. She’s Oaxaca’s patron saint, protecting against epidemics and earthquakes, depicted with a pale face and black velvet robe with gold brocade and wearing a gold crown with diamonds.
Dave was on a mission to visit an art market we learned was only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and Nella, pictured above, was our favorite artist there (Dave quickly pointed out Anita is his favorite artist). Nella explained that how one wears bangles and braids signals if you’re single (both behind), engaged (one in front) or married (both in front).
The art marketDave showcasing the charming children’s table and chairs at the graphic arts center. Lovely courtyard at the graphic arts center With a bee visiting one of the flowersA weaver set up on a sidewalk with her wares and a backstrap loom. “I decide”Marimba players in the plaza near the Cathedral of the Virgen of Solitude where every cafe serves “nieve” (snow), a sorbet-like shaved ice treat.Lucha libre masks for sale at the marketDancing (hard to see at back) in the main plaza (zocalo) in late afternoon, and vendors with long skinny balloons that look like torpedos when kids aim them, but they gently descend once launched. If people watching is your thing, this is the place to be.
A dance troupe practicing by the Virgin of Solitude Cathedral.
The Virgen de la Soledad again (I shared a photo of this shrine from my first day in town, but in daylight). The shrines are extra-special at night.
Wild Bee Plantings 