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