Late Nights in the Plaza

When the sun goes down during the Ferias y Fiestas, the heart of Camarma beats in the Plaza de Paseo. This was my first year attending the late-night concerts, which are a huge part of the celebration. The stages themselves are incredible. They are massive semi-truck trailers that fold out into elaborate setups with lights, LED screens, and a powerful sound system. The concerts get started late, around 11:30 PM, and often go until 3 or 4 in the morning.

Because the concerts start so late and our boys have school, I usually go on my own while Bethany and the kids are sleeping. For our family, having an active presence in the pueblo is essential, and these events are a key opportunity to connect with our community. This year, I saw "The Yuppies - El Maravilloso Mundo del Circo" and the "Liverpool Group." The plaza was packed with people of all ages, especially the local “Peña” groups, which are social clubs of friends who celebrate the fiestas together, often in matching shirts.

For me, showing up to these events is about ministry, and my camera has become an amazing tool for connection.

As I walk through the crowd, people will see my camera and ask me to take their picture. I always say yes. It’s a simple interaction, but it opens a door. I take a few photos of their family or their Peña group, and then I get their name and email address.

A few days later, I follow up with an email. It includes a link to an online gallery from the event, where they can view all the photos and download their favorites for free. I also include a simple message: "It was great to meet you at the fiesta. Thank you for letting me take your picture." Then, I extend a warm, no-pressure invitation to our church. It’s a simple strategy, but it turns a brief moment at a concert into a personal connection.

Being there, however, also brings a sadness to my heart. Outside of the traditional Catholic church, there are only two small evangelical churches in our town, ours included. It’s sad to me that believers from the local churches are almost never at these events. I can’t help but think what a powerful testimony it would be for our community to see Christians celebrating alongside them, being a joyful and integrated part of the town's life, not separate from it.

So, I will continue to show up for these late nights. I'll keep taking pictures, sending emails, and building bridges one conversation at a time, praying that our church will be known not for its absence, but for its presence and its love for the people of Camarma.

Below is a gallery of photos from these fun nights in the plaza. You can see the joy and sense of community for yourself.