Tuesday 16 April 2019

We were up with the lark. Well, at the crack of 8.00am; went for a run along the marina promenade, back for breakfast, then had to run down the promenade again to make the ferry to the Fuerte de Navidad (Christmas Fort). This was part of the coastal defences of Cartagena, built during the 19th century. It was a simple building providing canon emplacements and basic living quarters for the
soldiers.

We continued on to the city bus trip, which gave us a rapid view of the hills of the city in a 45 minute swoop.

It was back to the boat for late lunch and siesta then a walk along the main shopping street, where people were promenading and gathering for the evening procession. I love the fact the that people are very social, courteous and include the children in everything. My Spanish speaking is improving, which gives me a great deal of pleasure. I love the language.

A tug put on a show for a departing cruise liner

In the evening, we were there for the night’s Semana Santa parade. This one was shorter, with more modern military taking part, but no less spectacular, especially because the float was the biggest yet. We calculated it must have had a hundred men carrying it. The whole thing was accompanied by the rhythmical drum beat and two or three marching bands. Beforehand there was a ceremony, with speeches in one of the squares and fireworks towards the end. There is no need for crowd control with barriers etc. You can rent of the chairs that lines the route, but most stand. There are a hand full of local police at most. On one corner, where the route was a little different to that on previous evenings, an opening in the waiting spectators had to made and everyone just moved with no fuss. I have yet to see a child fussing, complaining or crying before or during all the whole procedure. I am in awe of witnessing this all week.