Roman Soldiers in the Good Friday Procession

Strange things are happening in Costa Rica.

Holy Week (Semana Santa) used to be the most important holiday here. But Ticos have lost much of their religious fervor, and Holy Week is not as important anymore.

This was reflected by the procession yesterday. There were a large number of Roman Soldiers - three different troops, wearing similar costumes, but with different color combinations. The most important troop came first, followed by the second, and then the third. The third one was composed of adolescent boys, who really didn't know what was going on, people in wheelchairs, and even a four-year old in a baby buggy!

Then came a sound truck, followed by the religious procession, carrying their religious statues. The precedence, of the religious, followed by the secular - had been reversed!

I later walked to the church, where a platform had been erected, to the display the holy relics. One troop of Roman Soldiers, was in charge of that - as they made abundantly clear. Other troops had to content themselves with less important duties.