Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/193

Rh magnificent Spanish dames entirely covered with jewels, each with a table before her, upon which a collection was made for the poor. One single jewel from all their splendour would richly have outweighed all the offerings of those humble people. I passed in and out without impediment, mingled with the crowds in the churches, or with the crowds in the streets, and all was peaceable and quiet. The appearance was of a people going about to amuse themselves. From this moment to Easter Sunday morning at about nine o'clock, a profound stillness prevails in Havannah; not a single volante is seen in the streets. To-morrow afternoon they will be occupied by a great procession.

Easter Sunday.—I witnessed the procession the day before yesterday, with two American acquaintances, from the piazza of La Plaza de Armas. Ladies dressed as for a ball, white, yellow, brown, and black, attended by gentlemen, filled the square early in the afternoon, walking about, talking, and laughing. The mulatto ladies were particularly distinguishable by their showiness, brilliant flowers and ornaments in their hair and in their bosoms, and in these they flaunted about in the style of proud peacocks. It was evident that people were expecting a splendid show. In the twilight the procession approached with candles and blazing torches. The figure of the dead Christ is borne along lying upon a state-bed beneath an immense chandelier which lights up the pale, noble, wax countenance. Mary weeping, is borne after, in a gold-embroidered mantle, and with a golden crown on her head; and Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, have also their magnificent garments. The procession was large, and not without a certain pomp and dignity. Among those who took part in the procession I observed a number of negroes with large white scarfs bound across the breast and shoulders. I was told that they belonged to a kind of order of free-masons, who attached themselves