La fête de l’Assomption, Rodrigues, 15 August 2015

On this date there was a procession starting at 0815 from the catholic church in Port Mathurin up to the statue of Marie, Reine de Rodrigues on the hillside above the town and that this was reported to be quite a spectacle.

Gathering at the church

According to legend this date originally celebrated the goddess Isis of the sea.  In the 4th century Christians took over this pagan ritual and defined it as the date the Virgin Mary ascended to heaven. Verified by Pope Pius X11
it is the principle feast day of the Virgin Mother.

On the way

A small procession set off, stopping for prayers at intervals. 
The police began directing vehicles, families joined.
Where was the impressive gathering that we had anticipated?

Getting bigger

As we ascended the hill the procession swelled - and it started to rain. 
The Honorary British Consul here Sue George joined us. She reassured us that this was the highlight of the Rodrigues calendar - where everyone dressed up to be seen and maybe to find a beau.

Arrival

On arrival at the statue similar groupings had converged from all over the island and there must have been several thousand people there.
This definitely was the place to be to be seen.
During the long mass there was a distinct social hum within the crowd. 

Much mention was made in the prayers and sermon given from the large stage that had been erected, of two nuns - sisters Josephine Mary and Juliette - who were renewing their vows the next day after 25 years.

Part of the crowd

Fashion

Parapluies