There is what I called a ‘light show’ at the Convento San Bernadino de Siena. The light show is basically images that are beamed through a projector onto the convent and tell a story. The story of Valladolid.
The first time I passed the convent in the evening, completely by chance, I was immediately mesmerised. I mean, there are pictures painted on the façade of a beautiful building in the dark that are virtually animated. How cool is that? 😀 Unfortunately, I arrived quite late. Which is why the light show was almost over. So I asked about it. It turned out that the light show takes place every evening – except Mondays – at 9 in Spanish. At half past nine in English.
So the next day at half past nine I went back from the hostel to the convent with my former mates and was enchanted – this time from start to finish. I admit I don’t remember the details of the story. Mainly in the surrounding area – Valladolid, Mérida and so on – the story is also told of how the Spanish invaded and basically deconstructed the Mayan pyramids and built houses from the same ones. I love Spain – I really do – but when you realise what the Spanish did in Latin America back then and how much cultural heritage they destroyed, you’re very glad you’re not Spanish, at least while you’re there. But well, I’m German, I shouldn’t lean too far out of the window….
Back to the Light Show. It’s really great! A wonderfully animated projection takes you on a journey where you learn more about the city you are in. And therefore also about the Mayan culture. But even if history isn’t your thing – which it isn’t in my case – it’s still worth it. It’s also free and, to be honest, there’s just something magical about it. And so: let’s go! 😀