Since Pilar is the patron saint we have a week of religious ceremonies and traditions accompanied by fiestas. On the traditional side of the festivities I got to experience the Pregón, Ofrenda de Flores, Rosario de Cristal, and las Vaquillas. The Pregon was the commencement speech to begin Pilares. Everyone gathered in the Plaza del Pilar, listened to the speech, and sang a song called "Canto a la Libertad". I'll put a link to a youtube recording of it at the end of this post. During this song everyone in the crowd was singing along with the lyrics on the big screens on the concert stage they had set up. It was so invigorating to be swaying with the crowd and chanting the song along with them (mostly because the lyrics let us sing along). The Ofrenda de Flores is a giant offering monument in the Plaza del Pilar for the patron saint. It's an all day long process where people dress in traditional clothing with bouquets of many types of flowers. By the end of the day it creates an amazing masterpiece of art which lasts for a surprisingly long amount of time. The next tradition that occurs during the majority of mornings during Pilares is las Vaquillas. Las vaquillas are probably a toned down version of the bull fights. Yes, there is still a bull and yes, there still are people running like crazy around the ring. The difference is that the horns of the bull are not pointy for (pardon the graphics) goring, instead they are blunt, and the bull does not die. The bulls run around in an amphitheater ring full of people with a semi stage center for the runners to take refuge on. The runners try to provoke the bull into chasing them and their goal is to dodge/escape from the bull. For those that couldn't make it to the Vaquillas they had them running on a TV channel. When I watched a bull jumped straight over the outside ring! On the last day of Pilares there is the Rosario de Cristal which is like a parade of stained glass sculptures of saints and the monument for Pilar. It's really interesting to go down and see the beautiful stained glass creations which my host mom said would later be in a museum
Now on the less traditional side of things. Pilar ranged from street performers and small bands to major concerts. Where ever you went there was always something to be seen or done. Also down Independencia, a large street next to my school that leads toward Pilar, there were so many stands of trinkets, knick knacks, jewelry, art, and food. I can't even explain how good the food was! It was an array of meats, sandwiches, candy, and my personal favorite waffles. The food stands were probably my favorite part because my friends and I could just walk down Independencia, get some great food, and watch the street performers. Since most of the concerts began later once we were done at Independencia we could go to various concert cites all in walking distance or a tranvia ride away. I went to see a couple reggae concerts and on the final day a dubstep concert in the Plaza del Pilar. Every concert I went to was full of people all cheering and having a great time. Oddly enough the ages ranged from really young to really old when It came to Pilares which I wasn't expecting.
Overall I'd say my experience during this festival was amazing. I got to sleep in each day and stay out late having fun with my friends listening to spanish music and eating spanish food in a celebratory atmosphere. I think everyone should experience Pilares at least once in their lifetime.
Sorry this post is so late! I was swamped with a week of test recently and I needed to focus on that.
Also here is the link to Canto a la Libertad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTykbu6dXhg
Besos,
Lauren Archer
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