Fun In Espana: Patroness of Granada

As is blatantly obvious at every turn, Spain is a predominantly Catholic country. And what else does every Catholic city need than a patron saint? Granada's is called la Virgen de las Angustius, and they love her. Many women wear her necklaces (like the senora of our house) and shops have posters with her photograph. But who is she? From the man who lays sprawled across her lap, body nearly naked and broken, it is obvious that she is the Blessed Virgen. But what more?

The epicenter seems to be located at the Carrera del Genil, a pleasant street with a large walkway enclosed by two one-way streets, both going the same direction. Bits of sun sprinkle the tiled surface below, but there is no way that anyone is going to get a suntan. One thing that took a while to notice was how large the trees are. This street must of been here for a hundred years at least because the trunks are enormous, perhaps six to eight feet in diameter. However, they are not the main attraction on this street. The church of Nuestra Senora de las Angustias is. Most days a black, rod iron fence prevents entrance, however at times, this is taken away (mostly on Sundays, but at random times on other days as well.) To the side of the main doors is a gallery of paintings of Our Lady of las Angustias, and there is a steady influx of people in and out of the double doors. It doesn't look like much, but the people seem to appreciate it.

There were also people busily working away on the structure of the church. I thought that it was merely for a remodeling project, even though it seemed like more. People stopped and would chat with the construction workers, and everyone seemed to be in a jovial mood. The metal scaffolding was left up for a couple of days, without anyone using it. Thinking nothing of it, I proceeded on towards home. Then, yesterday, a strange sight met my eyes. There.. was.. a.. twostorytallwallofflowers. Yes that is what I saw. I couldn't believe it at first. I mean, I'd been on the inside and it was lavishly decorated and stuff, but I didn't think they would go this far on the outside of the building, but they did. It seems that they have no place for an actual garden so they have to grow their flowers vertically. Neat, huh?

Now back to the Virgen... Yes she is there, in the middle looking at her Son, but in her perephrial vision I am sure she can appreciate all of the flowers that I am sure were donated in honor of her. That is all I really know about her as of yet. 1. she is the Blessed Virgen 2. Jesus is on her lap 3. she is somehow linked to the Virgen of the seven sorrows 4. Everybody here knows about her 5. almost everybody likes her ... oh, and 6. there will be a big fiesta on the last Sunday of September, so here I come. :P Ain't no party like a Catholic partaaay... lol addicting song.

And now picture time!!

Here's that street I was telling you about: Carrera de Genil