Jesus, the Soccer Fan

After visiting the Fan Zone on the Zócalo, I wanted to go to the Metropolitan Cathedral to see something that I had read about on the internet.  I went to the far end of the Cathedral by the Altar of the Kings, and sure enough, there it was... a figure of the Baby Jesus dressed in the jersey of the Mexican national team.

Even though I am not a religious person, it seemed a bit sacrilegious to me... but then again, for many Mexicans, soccer is almost a religion.

While in the Cathedral I also wanted to see the Altar of the Kings.  The last time I was in the Cathedral, it was being refurbished and was covered with scaffolding.

The enormous altarpiece is the gem of the Cathedral, and is considered one of the finest examples of the ultra-baroque style known as churrigueresque, a style which was popular in Mexico in the 18th century.  The altarpiece is 82 feet high, and is constructed of ornately carved wood covered with gold gilt.  It was completed in 1737 and dedicated to the King of Spain.  The altar contains twelve statues of canonized kings and queens such as St. Edward the Confessor of England and St. Louis of France.  In the center is a painting of the "Adoration of the Magi Kings".  The altarpiece is truly an impressive work of art.