VII - The ajuntamiento

The bride retires to a bedroom with her godmother, her sister, mother and the ajuntadora. The bride lies down, her head and shoulders supported by her godmother's knees. Her elder sister takes her hands.

"It's just five minutes and tomorrow you'll be dancing", says one of the women, as the door is closed.

Vanesa tells us afterwards that she felt little pain during the test.

The door opens and Vanesa's mother emerges, crying with the emotion of the moment. La Caly shows the handkerchief with three blood 'roses' proving the bride's virginity.

The married women waiting in the next room begin to applaud. Single women and children rush into the house, bags of sugared almonds are handed out and everyone crowds into the bedroom to celebrate with Vanessa, who lies back on the bed as almonds are poured between her legs.