Proud bridesmaid at my sis's wedding |
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Gatito and Gatita |
Let me pause here, whilst we’re all waiting. You know that archetypal image of the Mexican enjoying his siesta, resplendent in colourful poncho propped up against a cactus with his sombrero shading his eyes? Well, there is some truth in that. Love them to bits but Mexicans can be manana and it was looking that way for the wedding too.
But just as guests were contemplating a distraction at the nearby Rose and Crown, the sound of screeching tyres on gravel and a cloud of dust rescued us from the prospect of uno; conducting the wedding without music or dos; rescheduling the big day (not an option!).
Getting this fiesta underway, the musicians jumped out of their people mover and started to change into traditional Mexican costume. Right there in the car park. In full view of everyone. Ignorant of all the stares (and a few glares). To give them their dues, there was a teeny sense of urgency to start with. But midway through the change of clothes, at the point where their top half was Mexican and their bottom half was, well, underpants and socks, they reached for their instruments and began rehearsing.
The unexpected blast of vihuela, accordion and castanets punctuating the natural sounds of the countryside – cows mooing, sheep baaaaaing and a time confused cockerel crowing – briefly took the edge off the fact that we were now running more than an hour late and any practice should be behind them not in front of them.
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Arriba! |
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Mexican themed wedding cake |
The beautiful and unique ceremony ended with a relieved “I do”, rings on fingers and smiles all round as the musicians contemplated a much needed rest – minus the aforestated cactus!