(prensa.com) NATA Coclé .- The religious fervor of the inhabitants of the district and nearby villages Nata lights when on 8 March each year. That day, the believers go to Mass early and engage in other activities to celebrate the feast of St. John of God.
The festival, which also captures the attention of outsiders visiting the village to this day, is prepared several months in advance. One of the preparations is the making of clothing bearing the so-called “saint of the poor” the day of your party.
The seamstresses of the saint
To prepare the dress of St John of God has become part of the tradition in the community of Nata. Currently, there are two families involved in this work.
The religious festival is held every March 8. | SPECIAL PRENSA.COM / Zabdy Barria
One of the families who preserved this custom is Urriola Carranza, who lives a few yards from St. James Church of Nata.
Hildaura Carranza told was his mother who started the tradition for more than 50 years after his death, she continued as a family contribution.
Carranza and his sister Silvia Urriola are responsible for purchasing materials for clothing. Finally, in charge of drawing is Urriola. The clothing of the Holy Cross leads, sequins, beads and various applications.
Dress is a black, silk velvet and cold. Just sew the dress takes a time of 2 hours or so, while placing accessories and a half day delay, according Urriola.
When completed, the devotees of the saint was placed at the image, made of wood, which was carried Nata in Spanish colonial times. As this year on March 8 coincided with Mardi Gras, Nata religious activities were conducted the weekend before that date.
However, the locals made the procession “holy day” in the main streets of the community in the afternoon.
The touch of bells, the clapping and solemn music as part of this religious tradition that was established since long ago and is an attraction for those who enjoy religious tourism through the experiences of each people.
GETTING THERE: The Nata district is located in Cocle Province, about 175 km from the city of Panama. The entrance of the village is located in the American way, so that the traveler only has to look at the signs. The colonial church in the center of town.