This morning I heard the clip clop of horse’s hooves outside our apartment window and saw uniformed lancers casually riding down the street. Troy and I had an idea that this foreshadowed an important event but had no idea what was to come. We leisurely traveled to Parque Calderon for breakfast and noticed a gathering of military officials and followed the crowd to a street beside the New Cathedral. Obviously, it was the second event in the coming of the Christ Child. The first part of the parade was the usual South American bow to its military. The second part was a bow to its love of children. Little ones dressed in red, white, pink, green and gold sprouting tiny wings paraded around Parque Calderon while anxious mothers followed on the sidewalk with apples, popcorn and potato chips ready in case they should need nutrition. Mixed in with the angels, native dancers, four beautiful sisters tossing rose petals and more bands and more military people led to the big moment. A shy Mary about eight years old dressed in pink and blue, riding a donkey led by a bearded Joseph also about eight made an appearance. Troy managed to get a small wave from her as they headed down the street. Several floats, more beautiful horses ridden by beauty queens concluded the parade. Imagine a Christmas parade with no Santa in sight.
