Doña Estefaldina

Cecilia's song 'Doña Estefaldina' paints a vivid portrait of a traditional, authoritative figure entrenched in her ways and beliefs. The character of Doña Estefaldina is depicted as a staunch opponent of change, symbolized by her disdain for the Freemasons and her prayers for reduced taxes. Her conservative values extend to her personal interactions, as she reprimands young women for having suitors and oppresses her tenants by converting her grand halls into granaries. Despite her harshness, she offers kind words to those in need, showcasing a complex blend of severity and compassion.

The song further delves into Doña Estefaldina's meticulous nature, as she keeps track of time and harvests, and her devout religious practices. Her routine is disrupted only by the sight of the chaplain in the plaza, prompting her to prepare hastily for the novena, a traditional Catholic prayer. This scene highlights her deep-rooted piety and the importance she places on religious observance, even if it means interrupting her daily activities. The imagery of her running with a bench to the novena 'with the trot of a dog' adds a touch of humor and humanity to her otherwise stern character.

In the final stanza, Doña Estefaldina's aristocratic lineage is emphasized, as she spends her long afternoons knitting under the eaves, responding ceremoniously to the greetings of the chaplains from her balcony. This image encapsulates her adherence to tradition and the social hierarchy, as well as her role as a matriarchal figure within her community. Through 'Doña Estefaldina,' Cecilia explores themes of authority, tradition, and the complexities of human character, offering a nuanced portrayal of a woman who embodies both rigidity and grace.