Because we were a large group, we moved around to different venues that could accommodate us. Our opening ceremonies were in a civic auditorium. The Associations brought their banners in and installed them on the stage, where they would remain for the next few days.
We also had a fine presentation on Luisa Roldan and the Museum of Guadalajara. The museum had installed a fine exhibit on Christmas in Guadalajara just for the Congreso. There are two pieces by La Roldana in the museum’s collection, and one was in very poor condition. The curator showed us the steps involved in restoring it; when I cover our visit to the museum, I’ll show you a photo of it. For now, here’s an interesting slide from the show, which shows us a figure depicting the Virgen de la Leche that is in a private collection in Madrid. As you know, this is one of my prime interests, since my town, St. Augustine, is thought to have had a 16th-17th century statue of Nstra Sra de la Leche in a chapel that was on or near the site of the current shrine. The original figure was stolen by British raiders from Georgia in the early 18th century.
The Mercadillo also had its formal opening, and belenistas descended in flocks upon the tables to look at figures from figuristas such as Montserrat Ribes, in the photo, and Javier Guilloto Ramos. Also for sale were the latest issues of La Anunciata and Taller del Belen. After that we went on to the town of Horche for lunch (click on the link for photos). But more about that in a day or so.
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