Easter Week (Semana Santa)
Dating back to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th Century, the town comes alive with religious celebrations during the whole week from Palm Sunday right through to Easter. Processions start with church members dressed all in purple and behind them come the incense burners filling the cobbled streets with thick pungent smoke. Through the haze of incense come huge andas (biers) borne by the penitents and weighing over three and a half tons. These andas bear priceless and antique colonial effigies of the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and the apostles. Finally a band follows the andas playing sombre music but helping to keep the cucuruchos (anda bearers) in time.
Even more striking than the processions are the alfombras (carpets) made and designed by the local residents, schools and businesses. The alfombras are artistic patterns or pictures created on the streets where the processions pass. They are made from fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables or brightly coloured sawdust. They originate from local residents throwing pine needles on the cobbles before the processions hoping to make the load and pain easier for the cucuruchos.
Later people added fruit and flowers, all striving for the better alfombra. They are created as a penance to God and if anyone damages the pattern before the arrival of the procession, it is a sign of bad luck and God has not accepted your offering. There is no prize and it is not done for the tourist, it is just a display of complete religious belief. It is a fascinating experience but just one among many that you can enjoy in this amazing country.
Please contact John our country director for further information on Guatemala holidays on 01285 885 333.