Mon
23
Apr
2012
Hospitalidad Hondureña
El día viernes santo decidimos ir a explorar los alrededores de Copan. Salimos de La Cañada Copan, Hotel y Suites sin ningún destino fijo, simplemente manejando, descubriendo las bellezas naturales.
Emprendimos el camino disfrutando del paisaje montañoso, diferentes vistas del pueblo, tomando fotografías y videos plasmando las bellezas que tenemos en nuestro
país. Recorrimos aproximadamente 8 km 30 minutos en una carretera de tierra con mucha pendiente y teniéndole que poner doble tracción al vehículo para poder subir. En el trayecto
encontramos un caserillo y le preguntamos a un joven donde o como se llamaba donde estábamos; el muchacho nos contesto que estábamos en LLANETILLOS. Recordamos que alguien nos
había dicho que allí hacen alfarería de barro así fuimos en busca de la casa donde las tenían en venta.
Nos recibió una señora rodeada de niños, con su tez quemada por el sol y algunas marcas de su edad, su cara la enmarcaba una gran sonrisa que dejaba ver su dentadura
con un diente de oro.
Muy amable nos pasó adelante y nos dijo que en ese momento no tenía ninguna tinaja para venta, que solo tenia unos encargados guardados en un horno típico para elaborar esa
alfarería.
Nos permitió tomar fotografías de toda su casa, el horno, los animales de cría: patos, gallinas, pavos y no podía faltar los perros (4) que por cierto en buenas
condiciones.
Al ver una hermosa olla sobre un hornilla preguntamos que estaba cocinando, y con su sonrisa nos contesto TICUCOS. (Ticucos son una comida tradicional de occidente, hecho de masa y envueltos en hojas de elote). Nos pregunto que si los habíamos probado y sin mas espera nos sirvió uno a cada uno y nos hizo pasar a su comedor/cocina a que nos sentáramos y comiéramos. Sin reparo alguno, seguimos sus instrucciones y proseguimos a disfrutar de su hospitalidad.
Comimos los ticucos (por cierto muy ricos) y estuvimos conversando. Entre algunas cosas nos comento que tarda 1 hora 20 min en bajar a pie al pueblo y 1hora 40 en subir.
El clima fue muy agradable a 1500mts sobre el nivel del mar, la casa de adobe blanqueada sus paredes con cal y pino regado en un pasillo mantenía un olor agradable y ambiente de
limpieza .
La hospitalidad y deseo de compartir de esta familia campesina nos dejo una sensación de alegría y satisfacción de haber compartido esa tarde con ellos.
Al despedirnos nos dieron un abrazo caluro y respetuoso mostrando la sonrisa de su bienvenida.
FUE UNA TARDE ESPECIAL.
Sat
24
Mar
2012
Easter Week Carpets
One of the magnificent sights of Copan Ruinas takes place once a year during Easter Week. During this week, several towns across Honduras display colorful “sawdust carpets” in the streets.
The real Spanish term is “azerrin.” This sawdust is made from leftover wood carvings used by local carpenters. The sawdust can be purchased in large quantities at a very low price. Then, local townspeople dye the sawdust in many different colors to create their carpets.
Talented men and women draw the stencils and then fill in the designs with the colorful sawdust, creating very vivid and radiant pictures. These usually make reference to Jesus and the Bible, and His death in the cross.These carpets are usually located around the central park.
Easter is coming up, the first week of April. As with every year, we are excited to see the various creations the wonderful people of Copan Ruinas will come up with!
On the right are some pictures taken by fellow travelers who visited Copan.
*Photo credits to:
-http://granadostravel.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/copan-ruinas-honduras-18-al-23-abril-2011/
-http://amanda-keith.blogspot.in/2010/05/copan-mayan-ruins-coffee-plantation-and.html
-http://www.bch.hn/galerias/?level=picture&id=252
Mon
30
Jan
2012
Copan Traditions: Mariachis, Procession, and a Funeral
One of the interesting sights of Copan Ruinas, is its well-preserved traditions.
Some traditions you can witness daily. For example, the “sombreros” or “cowboy hats” that local men wear. Initially used to protect from the sun during long hours of work in the field, it is still used today as a typical dress garment.
Another tradition you will probably observe is local people gathering around the Central Plaza and street sidewalks around 5 pm. After a long day of work, local men and women will stand around town talking and hanging out, usually leaning against the shops and buildings.
One some occasions, we are lucky enough to witness other special traditions, like mourning someone’s death.
In a small town like Copan, most local people know each other by name. When someone passes away, it is a community event to gather and pray for the beloved’s death. Usually the family will mourn their beloved’s death during the wake, for someone hours before the church service. During the wake, family and friends come to show their love and support for the family, bringing flowers, food, and offering comfort to the mourners.
After the church service is held, the casket is transported to the cemetery in a car driving very slowly, with the community and family members walking behind the car. The street will fill up with people, walking with flowers, and offering their support to the family. It is not too long of a walk, as the church is only a few walks away from the cemetery. However, it is overwhelming to see the whole community gather and take on that journey together.
Frequently, it is also typical to see some mariachis walking in the crowd. Mariachis are an originally Mexican music genre, which have become famous in other Latin and Central American countries. They usually use brass, wind, and percussion instruments, and sing songs about love and life. During the walk, the mariachis will usually play songs about love, death, and having lived a strong life.
We were lucky enough to witness the whole walk, directly from La Cañada Copan’s lobby. And even though it was a sad event, we saw a community come together to celebrate a person’s life and witness one of the special kept traditions of Copan.
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