Of these Filipinas Islands

I will begin a discussion of this year’s events in these islands with an account of the solemn fiestas of the immaculate conception of the holy Virgin.  Let me say that these fiestas have been such that in the grandeur with which they have been celebrated, Manila has not been inferior to places in Europe and America.  They lasted nineteen days.  Leaving aside the celebration by the laity—­the bull-fights, masquerades, etc., and the many illuminations and fireworks which took place every night, and for which the Chinese are very famous—­I will describe only the ecclesiastical part.  The festivities were held [as a rule] in the cathedral.  On the first day, which was Sunday, December 8, they were celebrated there with great magnificence.  In the afternoon there was given a drama on the beauty of Rachel.  On Monday the religious of St. Francis held their fiesta in the same church.  In the morning one of the grandest processions ever seen in this vicinity set out from their house for the cathedral.  First came the whole force of Manila in perfect order, the arquebusiers and musketeers firing their pieces at intervals.  Next came a rich standard bearing the image of the conception of the Virgin, and at her feet Escoto [14] on his knees, inscribed, Dignare me laudare te, etc.  After the standard, which was borne by the father guardian, came a lay friar called Fray Junipero—­who, like the other, is regarded as a holy and simple man; he was dancing, and calling out a thousand silly phrases about divine things. [15] Now followed banners, crosses, and candlesticks.  After these came on floats eight saints of this order, so richly adorned that the people did not know whether to marvel most that there should be so large a quantity of gold, jewels, and precious stones in Manila, or that the fathers should have collected so many of them.  These saints were accompanied by eight groups of Indian dancers—­one with each saint, and each with its own device.  One represented canons, one cardinals, another pastors, etc.  The last sang while dancing.  The intercalary stanza was: 

    Now we can speak aloud,
        And without fear;
    We can cry aloud to all the world,
        Without misgiving.

The dancers repeated this aloud three times, and then danced with their timbrels in their hands until they were exhausted.  Last of all came the most holy Virgin of the conception.  The procession reached the cathedral and the fiesta was held.  In the afternoon they presented a very devout drama, on the martyrs of Japon.

On Tuesday the fiesta of St. Augustine began.  In the morning this order likewise had a very grand procession, in which the soldiery led, as on Monday.  There were many dancers, etc.  In the afternoon there were balls, Indian dances [mitotes], and a thousand other lesser amusements.