Our last week in Nebaj was also the week of the annual Santa Maria Feria, a fair in honor of the assumption of Mary that has adapted many secular traditions. At first, the only association I had with the fair was that it made my walk 10 minutes longer to work every day, however, I eventually got to see what all of the excitement was for myself!
My view from a parade I went to at the fair! I got to see my host sister march in it, too.
With my host family, I attended the fair a few times, playing air hockey, seeing a marimba concert, and cheering on a rehearsal for the “convite,” a costumed dance.
Snapshot from the marimba concert in the park!
The fair was very similar to events I have been to in the United States with the same fried food, street vendors, fireworks, crowded areas, long lines, and noisy streets.
However, there were definitely aspects unique to Nebaj, such as a motorcycle competition, traditional dances, parades, and music.
The motorcycle competition was unlike anything I had ever seen! I was amazed by all of the dangerous tricks the cyclists performed with such confidence; I had never before heard of this sport, and it was a delight for my first exposure to be live.
The motorcycle trick competition got heated!
All in all, the extra walking to work was definitely worth it; la feria was an awesome finale to an incredible two months in Nebaj.
The last picture our team took in Nebaj- in front of the mural we painted outside Soluciones Comunitarias.