Nuestra Madre de Candelaria, La Virgen María (same bells, different day)

I´ve been staying in the apartment of a friend the past couple of weeks, situated right next to one of my favorite parks in Valladolid: Candelaria. This time of year, though, Candelaria is a busy place. There is a misa (mass) every night, extending for hours on Sundays. There are clanging bells at dawn and lots and lots of hymns in the evenings (some droning, some sweet). All of this to celebrate Nuestra Madre, La Virgen María. The attendees of these worship services participate in singing and call-and-response liturgies, and they have a large, child-sized doll which they dress up in a white gown and transport around town, occasionally returning her to the church at Candelaria. I heard she even went to the Feria (the fair) the other night. (I haven´t gone to the Feria yet!)
The doll, as a focal point, is a bit odd for me and the songs are getting old, but I am thankfully already awake when the bells begin to chime in the morning. This morning, though, I was struck by the sight of several older gentlemen out in the park, sweeping up the trash. There was a large tree that seemed to have blossomed overnight with pink blossoms. The colorful strings of flags they have decorated the park and church with were blowing in the hazy breeze. What can I say? The tranquility of this early morning scene just started the day off right for me.
Tonight I have meditation, which will hopefully bring me to an even more profound state of tranquility...