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Celebration for the Virgin of Solitude--Soledad--December 18, 2008
Last night, Oaxaca's Soledad Basilica was the setting for the annual celebration to honor the church and the city's patron, Soledad, The Virgin of Solitude.
The event culminates with the statue of the Virgin, normally kept safely behind glass at the back of the altar, being taken down, placed on a palenquin, and carried out of the church and around the courtyard. She is accompanied by chants, musicians, and huge, ornate banners. Thousands of Oaxacans turn out every year to participate in this beautiful event. Then she is very carefully returned to her usual place, her gowns re-arranged, and once again safely sealed behind glass.
The photos below may convey some of the faith, pageantry and fervor of this celebration:
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