The May Cross Festivity was held in Lopinot on Sunday, 28th May, 2006, at the Lopinot Historical Complex. We interviewed Ms. Pearl Garcia who shared a bit of information about the May Cross Festivity (Cruz de Mayo) in Lopinot.
Ms Pearl Garcia
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TRINIVIEW: Ms. Garcia, tell me a bit about the festivity that is taking place today.
PEARL: As far as I know, when I was a little girl this festivity used to be celebrated in the homes, especially of the Catholic families. The celebration was a form of promise and thanksgiving at the same time. The people would be thankful for their fruits and vegetables and garden crops. Out of that came prosperity.
The people used to clean their homes like it was Christmas time. They used to also fast and so on. A room was selected in the house where an altar would be built with the cross venerating it so that thanks would be given to God. For about nine nights they would have prayers and venerations of the cross. The whole community would be invited and they would have sharing each night which would go on for about a week.
On the final night after the veneration and the celebration of the thanksgiving and prayers, they would take down the altar and break it. Then they would take the cross and carry it around the house saying, “Kiss the cross,” in Spanish three times. Everybody partaking in the celebrations would do that.
Following that would be the festivities like dancing, sharing and singing.
TRINIVIEW: How has the revival of the Cruz de Mayo impacted on the community in Lopinot?
PEARL: This is our sixth year. When we started it was a small celebration and since then it has grown. The Venezuelan, French and Dutch Embassies are all taking part in the Cruz de Mayo now.
TRINIVIEW: How has this fostered a relationship between the village of Lopinot and Venezuela?
PEARL: We have had a lot of exchanges and good relationships. Some of us are even finding our own ancestors.
TRINIVIEW: How long have you been living here in Lopinot?
PEARL: I have been living permanently here in Lopinot about thirty-five years now. Although my parents are from Lopinot, I wasn't born in Lopinot. I came here as a little girl at the age of nine but I went away and came back again.
TRINIVIEW: How has the village changed for you?
PEARL: It has changed a lot. We didn't have water, telephones and electricity in the homes. With all of these amenities, I still like to preserve the history and the entire environment so that we would have something to really enjoy.
TRINIVIEW: Do you have any final words.
PEARL: Well, I hope this could continue. I hope we will have more people participating, especially from the community.
TRINIVIEW: Thank you.
Also Read:
Cruz de Mayo 2006 in pictures:
www.triniview.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=133578
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