Lately, we again have been cautioned by the local Health Division to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun between 11am and 4pm. The division further stressed the importance of keeping ourselves hydrated by drinking liquid regularly, particularly water.
Paradoxically enough, the majority of local Sunday morning festa band marches are held during these ‘prohibited’ hours with revellers drinking mainly alcohol.
Moreover, bandsmen and other personnel on duty are continuously subjected to the strong sun with little or no respite at all.
Is this ‘sacrifice’ some sort of yearly traditional atonement for sins committed? And again, I suppose it is all done to glorify and honour our towns’ and villages’ patron saints!