Welcome pilgrims

Welcome pilgrims, who have come for days on your carts.
So were the opening words by the El Sauce town leaders, as we crowded in front of the mayor's office for the official "ox and cart" procession.
The town has prepared for a week for the religious festival, one of the most important in Nicaragua, to celebrate the Cristo Negro — or black Christ.
Catholics from all over the country and Costa Rica, Honduras and El Salvador flood into the town for a week of processions, Mass and possible miracles.
Some people from the countryside come in with ox and carts, traveling days and bringing their chickens with them for food or knocking on doors and asking gifts of food and water. Everyone comes to the mayor's office, in front of the church, to welcome their sacrifice for coming.
In front of us was a small cart, stuffed with hay for padding, a chicken resting inside and a small boy sitting in a plastic chair, roped to the side of the cart. An extra seat.
Behind them, two giant oxen tethered to a family of four.
A mariachi band played, after having entertained the pilgrims all night at the edge of town. Girls in white flowing dresses and bright flowers in their hair danced with baskets, welcoming the travelers.
"I'm so glad we got to see that," said Meredith.