Happy Fiestas Agostinos!​!

     We found out that we had a national holiday starting the first of August and lasting through the 6th. We asked people what we were celebrating. We were told that it was the birthday of San Salvador, that the government was lazy and wanted a holiday in August since they didn't have one, and that it was the day that "El Salvador" (the Savior) came to San Salvador. We were not sure which explanation to believe  so we checked the internet.  This festival dates back to 1525, the year that the city of San Salvador was founded. They celebrate with the fair coming to town and parades. On Thursday, the police put on the parade. On Friday, the business put on a parade. On Saturday, the Military put on the parade and on Sunday, the religious ceremony and parade takes place in front
of the national cathedral. It includes a spectacle known as "la bajada" or the descent. An old wooden image of Christ is paraded through the streets and then lowered inside a wooden shell. There the
sculpture's purple garments are removed, and Jesus emerges from the shell dressed in gleaming white robes, a symbolic representation of Christ's transfiguration. We were driven past one of the fairs on Thursday evening. We were not allowed out of the car to see this one up close. It is free to get in and not a safe place. It was huge, with big roller coasters and all kinds of fair rides, food venders of every kind and shops selling anything and everything. It was raining but still had people every where.

     On Saturday afternoon, Carlos Figueroa and his mother-in-law took us to the other fair. This one is within walking distance of the temple. It is safe and smaller they said. We have never seen so many
people in one place in our lives. We saw a band with dancers performing the national song and dance, picture #1. We tried to get a picture to show how many people were there, but pictures just can't
show it all. Picture #2. This fair took up a whole city block. People were standing in line for 2 to 3 hours just to take a ride on one roller coaster. We now know how sardines feel in a can. There was music and clowns and food and food and food. Grandma insisted that we try some chorros, fried dough covered in cinnamon and sugar. We really enjoyed that. It was in the low 90's with about 80%
humidity and no air in any of the buildings. We can say that we experienced the "feria" but were glad to get out of the heat, the crowds, and the noise.

     There is one great thing about the holiday, the people throng to the temple. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were wonderful in the temple with bus loads of people each day. Monday is the last day of
the holiday and we have one stake who have scheduled the morning at the temple. We have to be there by 4:30AM to help whereever needed and they are supposed to be gone by 1:00PM. With 8 to 13 buses coming.  It will be very surprising if they are gone by then. It will make a very long week with out a P-Day.

     We want to send a belated Birthday wish to my little brother, Dick, and to Robert Otteson. Sorry we missed your days and hope you had a great birthday. We send our love to all. We are doing great.
We do get tired by Saturday but with your prayers in our behalf we are keeping up with the schedule and enjoying every day. Primary music went well today and only one more week til Sister Broadbent returns. We pray that you are happy, healthy, and enjoying every day of your lives. We are saddened to have lost two friends, Chuck Jensen and Dr Harold Lloyd. Have a great week. Love Lon and Nancy, Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma.