April 2021 Farmer Updates - Don Lencho Honduras

Isn’t it interesting how wherever you go, people are the same in many aspects? Cultures and customs vary widely; however, the way in which people hold to specific customs is the same everywhere.

The last few days of March and the first few days of April this year were what is widely known in Latin America as Holy Week. Remembering the passion of Christ by enacting parades and processions is common in many of our predominately Catholic communities here in the region where JavaTaza’s coffee is produced. This year, due to Covid restrictions, the elaborate processions in some of the major cities of Honduras were banned, but that didn’t stop El Naranjo from keeping up the traditional procession on Palm Sunday and then daily afternoon meetings all week long. Of course, most people took vacation in an informal sort of way and many others congregated at the good swimming holes along the river.

Another annual tradition that coincides with this time of year is a very sweet one. Wild bees make their homes in hollow logs, hollow trees, and holes in the ground. These Africanized striped yellow and black beauties are hardy little critters that barely survive for most of the nine months of rainy season. When dry season comes, Apis melifera come out of survival mode and start making honey. By Holy Week, a lot of people have their sights set on wild honey. Robbing the hives is smoky business that most people only try at night. Notwithstanding the stings, it can be sweet business, and honey on bread in Holy Week is always a treat to look forward to.