The Eve of the Fiesta It is now the tenth of November, the eve of the fiesta.

Emerging from its habitual monotony, the town has given itself over to unwonted activity in house, church, cockpit, and field.

Windows are covered with banners and many-hued draperies.

All space is filled with noise and music, and the air is saturated with rejoicings.
On little tables with embroidered covers the _dalagas_ arrange in bright-hued glass dishes different kinds of sweetmeats made from native fruits.

In the yard the hens cackle, the cocks crow, and the hogs grunt, all terrified by this merriment of man.