Serendipitously, we were in Antigua during Holy Week, with festivities beginning on Palm Sunday. It is truly a sight to behold and I am so glad our paths crossed with this millennia old tradition. Everyday, there are processions, reenactments, and most amazing of all -- groups of people decorate the streets with elaborately designed sand murals (about 8' wide by 10-20 or even 30' long). These murals are first blocked off with 2x4s and straw grass is laid on the cobblestone street; then sand is filled in about 2-3" high, and finally the top is decorated with fantastic designs of colored sands, fruit, etc. Perhaps most amazing of all, these murals are made everyday before the procession walks over them and they are "ruined" -- only to be redesigned again the following day. We're not sure about the exact meaning, but it's obviously considered an offering of some type.
The procession itself snakes its way through the city of Antigua, taking the entire day. Men and boys (no women) line each side of the street in purple robes and walk slowly through the city, stretching as far up and down the road as far as the eye can see. Floats are brought past, with each telling a piece of the story of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, and his subsequent persecution, death, and resurrection. The floats are elaborate if not grotesque, with no details spared.
Also occurring throughout the day (and presumably week) are actor portrayals of the events of Easter weekend. The actors are in the streets (which are all blocked off to vehicle traffic) with microphones and their voices emanating from speakers on nearby pick-up trucks.
All in all some very cool sights to behold and we happily traded being able to experience this for spending a night in Guatemala City (though it did require a 3am taxi pick-up to the airport).
We really loved Antigua and the generosity of the people. Everyone we have interacted with has been patient, helpful, and more than willing to allow me to stumble over broken Spanish as I recall the correct verb conjugations. Next stop: El Ramate and Tikal.
¡Ciao!
The procession itself snakes its way through the city of Antigua, taking the entire day. Men and boys (no women) line each side of the street in purple robes and walk slowly through the city, stretching as far up and down the road as far as the eye can see. Floats are brought past, with each telling a piece of the story of Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, and his subsequent persecution, death, and resurrection. The floats are elaborate if not grotesque, with no details spared.
Also occurring throughout the day (and presumably week) are actor portrayals of the events of Easter weekend. The actors are in the streets (which are all blocked off to vehicle traffic) with microphones and their voices emanating from speakers on nearby pick-up trucks.
All in all some very cool sights to behold and we happily traded being able to experience this for spending a night in Guatemala City (though it did require a 3am taxi pick-up to the airport).
We really loved Antigua and the generosity of the people. Everyone we have interacted with has been patient, helpful, and more than willing to allow me to stumble over broken Spanish as I recall the correct verb conjugations. Next stop: El Ramate and Tikal.
¡Ciao!
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