Easter is a very important time all over the world, but nowhere more so than in Guatemala. Most catholic, and in particular Spanish speaking countries regard this as the most important date on the calendar. In the city of Antigua Guatemala however, this is taken to a whole new level.
Each Sunday of Lent sees the old city come alive with processions and homage to the Virgin Mary and Jesus of Nazareth. This builds until we reach “Semana Santa” or Holy Week – when there starts a sequence of processions on Palm Sunday and continues through the week until Good Friday and on to Easter Sunday itself. Each of these marches becomes more spectacular leading up to Easter Sunday : floats (“Andas”) depicting the crucifixion weighing up to 7000 lbs are carried on the shoulders of up to 100 “Curcuruchas” bearing the weight in their robes which start as purple on Palm Sunday – to black on Good Friday.

This unique series of processionals however is probably most famous for the “alfombras” or literally “carpets” of flowers that are laid out on the cobble stone streets for the participants at first to skirt around – but then to trample as the andas pass over them. The most spectacular are the alfombras along Antigua’s streets, meticulously designed and, ideally, completed just before the Good Friday procession begins. Sand or sawdust is generally used to level the cobblestone roadway. Sawdust is then collected and dyed in different colors. Favorite colors are purple, green, blue, red, yellow and black. Flowers such as bougainvillea, chrysanthemums, carnations, roses and other native plants and pine needles are also used.

It is almost impossible to get accommodation for this period in Antigua. We advise you to book a year in advance to witness this experience for yourself.

Team, Mojo

April is turning up the heat in Quetzal, Guatemala. Mojo, the ‘37 custom Merritt out of Port Aransas, Tx just released it’s 800th sailfish in 54 days of fishing. 802 Sailfish to be exact, and 11 Marlin. 4 Blacks and 7 Blues. How do you release 800 sailfish in 54 days of fishing? J.W. Bones explains…

The horse named MoJo left Port Aransas, Texas in Oct. of ‘08. Since that time, she has:

Traveled through 5 states and 5 countries
Traveled 8164 miles on its own bottom
Traveled 2000 plus miles on the Dockwise carrier
Logged 1117 hours on the Yanmar engines
Burned 12,500 gallons of diesel
Used 148 gals. of Oil for changes
Used 25 miles of monofilment fishing line from 12# - 30#
Used 202 wind on leaders 100# test
Used 56 wind on leader 150# test
3/4 of a mile of leader material 150# - 500# test
Lost 6 teasers to hot fish
1100 #7 laser circle hooks snelled with 5′ of 80# test leader
150 #10 ball bearing swivels
5 pairs of Costa de Mar Sunglasses
3 gal. of sunscreen #4 - #50
10 gallons of boat wax
4 gallons of Orapine soap
3 scrub brushes
5 gallons of various cleaners rust remover/ oxy clean / etc.
80 shirts
2 gallons of WD-40 / Corrosion X
2 wash boys
1 Linco actuator on the engine room
1 Trim Tab
1 front oil seal
1 blidge pump
1 electrical switch
1 water pump on the generator
20 oil filters
6 racor filters
1 50 tld reel
1 Guatemalan cell phone
1 computer
2 engine belts
2 dozen pair of gloves
6 wash sponges
3 dozen towels
1 pressure switch on washdown pump
1 refrigeration compressor / dryer
200# 1/2 oz. egg sinkers
102 rolls of waxed rigging line
2 pairs of pliers / 1 bait knife
3900 ballyhoo
100 various marlin baits mackeral / mullet / etc.
1 cowboy hat
43 international zarpes
1 yr. of fishing lic.
1 pair of flip flops
15 credit cards cancelled by bank for unverified charges
5000 cell phone minutes and Skype
1 memorial service at sea wifes aunt passed while fishing
1500+ cases of drinks
300# of fresh mahi eaten
50 domino’s pizza
200 pcs. of pollo compero chicken
150 cans of Tuna
25+ pounds of black beans
100+ pounds of salad
1 cut requiring stitches
14 major cuts requiring first aid
countless cuts no first aid
1 cut lip
1 major contusion
1 broken toe
1 tooth cap
2 jammed fingers
At least 150 bruises
1 broken finger nail, the wifes this is always a major problem in far away places.

The Anglers,

Bobby Richter & two sons, James Preis & 5 family members, Bill Easum, Murray Cutbirth, Freddie Gonzales & Wife, Bob Houze & Wife, Patricia, Kevin, & J.W. Bones, Areyles, Alberto Alpizar. 20 people total from 4 different countries.

10 employees from 5 different countries mates / drivers / housekeepers / etc.

Truley, it’s been an adventure of a lifetime.

Team Mojo