Summary:
From the riverside, Ibarra makes his way to the town hall. There people are deciding on the type of celebrations that must be held and organized during the town feast. The older citizens are inclined to having a grand and cheerful celebration. The youth, with the leadership of Don Felipo, are against it.
Points of Note:
This is one of the most beautiful chapters of the Noli, which discusses one very serious social problem, not only in the old days but also up to the present -- feasts.
It can be observed that the foul practice of writing on walls has not changed. (Refer to the first paragraph).
The captain, before joining in the meeting, has a brief talk with Friar Salvi.
It was eleven days before the feast, which was on the 12th of December.
Captain Basilio was Don Rafael's rival in terms of wealth and fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: What does Don Basilio say to the other officials after his extremely long introduction?
Answer: He requests them to make their statements brief, because "time is gold" and they were running out of time.
Question: Prove that Don Felipo is an unwelcome person in the meeting.
Answer: The cabezas had expressed disapproval of his suggestion even before Don Felipo had voiced it out.
Question: How did Don Felipo feel about such utter disregard?
Answer: He was amused, and proud of what he had accomplished.
Question: What was actually the strategy of Don Felipo?
Answer: Since he knew that the older officials were completely antagonistic towards him, he suggested the exact thing that they wanted -- a grand, extravagant celebration. And because Don Felipo was the one who suggested it, the elders immediately turned it down and he eventually got what he truly wanted -- a simple feast.