Anyone who has never been to a Filipino fiesta may think dedicating more than five chapters to one is a bit excessive. The truth is, it may not even be enough. Even to this day, our fiestas are so grand and lavish, that some take weeks to prepare, with the actual events lasting a week, or even a month. In comparison, Rizal’s description of San Diego’s fiesta is even a little tame.
Chapter 26: The Eve of the Fiesta
It is the eve of the fiesta, and the town is filled with music, gaiety and bright ornaments. Dining rooms spill over with rich and fancy dishes.
The busiest spot is a lot close to Ibarra’s house, where Ñor Juan, the foreman of Ibarra’s schoolhouse, is intent on giving orders for the work at hand. A little farther from the work site are the schoolmaster and his pupils, preparing banners and decorations. Some of the boys declare incoming contributions from their families.
Earlier, the curate and coadjutor expressed support too. Ibarra’s project seems to be going so well, that he begins to think Tasio worried for nothing. Tasio however, is not as convinced that all is well.
Chapter 27: In the Twilight
Wishing Ibarra to get along with Padre Damaso, Capitan Tiago invites him to dine at his house, where the friar will also be dining. Ibarra politely declines.
Ibarra, Maria Clara and her friends go out for a walk. At the plaza, they see a blind leper. Moved at the sight, Maria Clara drops her bejeweled locket into the man’s basket. The leper kisses it and buries his head where Maria Clara had trodden.
Meanwhile, to the horror of everyone, Sisa shows up and touches the leper. She blurts out a confused account of her sons, the curate’s gold and her garden. Maria Clara asks Ibarra what he had done for Sisa, to which Ibarra admits he had been unable to do anything, but that the curate had promised to later help him help her. A soldier drags Sisa away for disturbing the peace.
Maria Clara feeling sad, decides to head home.
Chapter 28: Correspondence
A correspondent writes to the editor of a Manila newspaper, and describes in glowing terms the fiesta in San Diego. He writes of the piety of the faithful, and of the virtuous execution of duties of the very reverend friars. He describes with admiration too, the opulence of Capitan Tiago’s home and table, and the moving religious procession. He notes the absence of the distinguished Ibarra who is reportedly ill.
Capitan Martin writes of more mundane things to his friend. He narrates how Capitan Tiago’s winnings at cards drives Capitan Joaquin nearly broke, and how Padre Damaso frustrated by his losses, smashed a lamp. He shares that the consul has lost in cockfighting and that Carlos the Chinaman is making a fortune with liam-po.
Maria Clara sends out a letter of her own to Ibarra in which she asks how he is.
Chapter 29: The Morning
It is the third and last day of the fiesta. The people of San Diego put on their best clothes, and proceed to the church. All the while, bright banners, the sound of firecrackers and lively band music fill the surroundings.
Padre Damaso contracts a cold as a result of the previous night’s festivities, but the other priests urge him to deliver the sermon. He goes into some last minute preparations, submitting to an application of liniment, drinking lemonade and raw eggs with wine, and abstaining from talking and eating a full breakfast.
The procession begins, but later momentarily halts, and a child in a woman’s arms stretches its arms towards Padre Salvi and cries, “pa-pa”, causing the curate some embarrassment. Despite the knowing glances among those who had heard, Padre Salvi in fact did not know the infant and the woman.
Chapter 30: In the Church
A great crowd of the faithful fill the church and jostle for air and space. Those who have already found a spot either endure the heat or begin to doze off. The authorities and important townspeople occupy reserved benches. Maria Clara, by order of the curate is given her own space near the altar.
Padre Salvi officiates the mass, but people are surprised at his trembling voice, sometimes going out of tune. Nonetheless, he is the picture of gravity and elegance. At the appointed time, Padre Damaso mounts the pulpit to deliver his sermon.
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