Sabado Gigante

Maybe the limos should have been my first clue. After all, a line of 6 stretch humvees and a luxury mini bus is a little unusual on a quiet city street at three o'clock on a Saturday afternoon. 

On this beautiful day, we decided to park at the new aquatic center and walk the trail along the railroad tracks and the river beyond. The path took us into one of the many urban neighborhoods of our county, the one which was renamed National Landing when Amazon announced that its HQ2 would be built there. But the park, a shady 1.5 acres with a cool, multi-level water feature, some colorful Adirondack chairs, and a giant chess board, still bears its original Crystal City name. 

Word in the press is that the place, as nice as it is, will receive an upgrade like everything in that area, but today the sun, the shade, the paths, and the fountains were all the perfect location for at least 10 Quinceañera photo shoots. As we approached the park a team of three photographers and videographers recorded a white limo parking curbside. Doors opened and a young girl in a midnight blue dress with hoops and crinoline piled out with her court of 6 damas, dressed in slightly fewer frills in a lighter shade of blue, and 6 chambelanes, dressed in dark suits with powder blue waistcoats. A little girl and boy dressed like their older counter parts completed the court. Parents and grandparents climbed out of the limo next, and the entire entourage proceeded to the fountains stopping and posing as they went. 

Almost every corner of the park was occupied by a similar group, some in pink, some in yellow, some also in blue, all attended by cadres of photographers. The activity was too interesting to pass by; we found a couple of empty Adirondack chairs at the far corner of the park, and took a break to watch. After a half or so, the action showed no signs of slowing: each time a limo left, another eased into its parking space, and 20 more celebrants replaced the court that had departed. So we took our leave, and headed back to the car, enchanted by the tradition.