Holly week (Semana Santa- Easter) in Guatemala guided
March 28 TO APRIL 05 9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS
Come join us in an epic Easter celebration in Antigua. Also visit Indian markets and the tropical jungle-swathed Mayan ruins at Tikal.
Day 01 March 28 GUATEMALA
Arrival and transfer to the Hotel in Guatemala City for overnight accommodation. Select Hotel
Day 02 March 29 Antigua
Breakfast. ANTIGUA PROCESSIONS.
One of the most exciting moments when you are traveling in Guatemala is the arrival of a Holy Week procession in Antigua. Thousands gather outside of the churches, on sidewalks, and even on rooftops along procession routes to watch these spectacles. First, the aroma of copal incense fills the air as hundreds of men and boys in silken purple robes, some swinging incense censers, fill the street. Soon dirges played on brass instruments and processional drums grow louder, heightening the anticipation. And then suddenly, emerging from a cloud of incense, the float appears.
Gleaming with gold and silver adornments, the immense float is nothing short of spectacular. Up to 100 cucuruchos (male float carriers), dressed in royal purple, shoulder the main float. Weighing up to three metric tonnes (7,000 lbs), the wooden float sways slowly with each step the carriers take. Larger-than-life 17th- and 18th-century sculptures arranged on top of platform portray biblical scenes or religious messages, and at the float’s central stands a poignant sculpture of Jesus in his crown of thorns, carrying a heavy cross. Just behind the main float, cargadoras (female carriers) shoulder a second, slightly smaller float bearing a sculpture of the grieving Virgin Mary. The faces of these sculptures vividly express the passion of the crucifixion, and it is not uncommon to spot tears in the eyes of faithful onlookers as the image of Jesus or Mary passes.
Originally considered a penance in the 1500s, carrying the float is now also considered a privilege, and each carrier pays a small fee for the honour. A single procession can last more than 18 hours, often starting or ending before daybreak. Because the carriers take turns shouldering the massive floats, more than a thousand may carry a float over the course of a long procession.
Exquisite street carpets that line the processional routes are Antigua’s most famous and best-loved Holy Week tradition. Walking the route before daybreak on Good Friday is like experiencing an almost endless gallery of stunning works of art. But these works must be treasured in the moment, as they are destined to be destroyed in an instant when the procession passes.
The street carpet tradition started in 8th-century Spain, although Mayan rituals have also long involved pine-needle carpets. Over the years, Antigua’s Street carpets have evolved into magnificent works crafted by generations of families living along the procession route. Families often plan and design their carpets months ahead and may start constructing their carpet up to 20 hours before the procession arrives. Some even make several different carpets over the course of a few days if more than one procession passes their home.
Some of the most elaborate carpets use layers of brilliantly hued sawdust to produce a plush, carpet-like effect. Simpler but nonetheless striking carpets may instead feature beds of pine needles, flower petals, fruits, vegetables, and fragrant corozo palms. Some families add creative innovations, like marbles, egg shells, candles, toys, and bottle caps. Carpet themes may reflect religious messages, elements of nature, geometric patterns, and sometimes even statements of humor or political views.
Overnight Mercure Guatemala Casa Veranda
