Magdalena in the Time of Feria

Magdalena in the time of Feria

Growing up in Louisiana and going to college in New Orleans, I know a few things about big, city-wide festivals and parties (i.e. Mardi Gras) but the current celebration going on here in Magdalena has made me rethink my views about their importance and the impact on locals. Each year on July 22, the town of Magdalena Milpas Altas celebrates their anniversary and pays tribute to their patron Mary Magdalene with various activities – parades, fireworks, cultural events, music, religious ceremonies, etc – in the weeks leading up to that date; and besides only Christmas and Easter, it is the most important time of year for many here in Magdalena. However, it is striking for me to see the extravagance of money spent by the local government in light of the poverty that permeates each person’s daily life. This year, the municipality has chosen to spend only Q500,000 (~$62,500) because the economy is difficult. I can’t help but ask myself though how that money might be better used here.

In a town where the majority of public works projects are left unfinished because the mayor so often reminds us of the lack of resources, the fair always comes together without any problems. The site of the first high school in town remains an empty lot, but each year the town hires bands to play every night in the town square and stages an elaborate beauty pagent to crown the new queen of the town. Water service is sporadic and inadequate, but each neighborhood purchases expensive firework displays to light the way for Mary Magdalene’s procession. Local schools are overcrowded and unable to provide adequate attention for each student’s needs, but their marching bands never miss the opportunity to practice for the festival. People tell us they have no money for food, but alcohol never seems far from one’s grasp at this time of year – evidenced by the number of men passed out in the streets. So where does this money come from to fund the festival? Well as we love to do in the US, if you don’t have it, borrow it. The local government that teeters on the verge of bankruptcy somehow managed to secure a line of credit to cover this year’s expenses.

For one, you could easily say that the economic impact of the increased tourism from other parts of Guatemala more than makes up for the initial investment. Well, that’s what happens during Mardi Gras at least. The difference here is that many vendors come from other parts of the country with their food stands and games. So they probably do pretty well, but the money spent quickly leaves the local economy. Fortunately, there were opportunities this year for local citizens to participate in a cultural expo, where they sold handicrafts and goods ranging from desserts to clothing to artwork. I was very proud of my host family and especially Rafaela (my host mom) for the hard work that she put into selling jellies and fruit preserves. In the same way that I see some of our Bible study and microfinance borrower groups serving as an example within the community, I believe she demonstrated the importance of investing time to develop our God given gifts. There are a couple of pictures of her below with her small stand at the expo and another with some flower arrangements she made for church.

So what does all of this mean for me? For the the mission here? Well, I guess that I am reminded that we are all broken people desperately in need of God’s love and of a closer relationship with him; and secondly, that our work here in Magdalena as a mission is far from finished. Traditions are not easily changed and one’s cultural heritage is important, but these things should never come before providing for the immediate and long-term needs of one’s family. I am challenged to work harder to encourage our borrowers to be responsible stewards of God’s resources and to be a good example for their neighbors. I am encouraged to pray for the long-term spiritual and economic development of each family in Magdalena. I am excited to see how God will work here in the coming days, months and years to more firmly establish his kingdom in Guatemala. And I am seeking God’s direction for how I can work alongside the Lord to always share the gospel of Jesus Christ in everything I do and say.

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