In the US we have Easter Sunday or perhaps even Easter Weekend. If I remember correctly there are a lot of eggs, baskets and candy. Sure there is the whole Christian aspect that we celebrate in the US, but it hardly compares to Guatemalan or Latin American version. That’s right it’s time for Holy Week. Take that Easter Sunday, we rock out for the Lord all week long.
What exactly does this mean, aside from no school/no work?? Semaña Santa (Holy Week) has religious processions through the streets, mock crucifixions, sweet garbanzo bean soup, Samaña Santa bread and everyone dressed to the nines to walk around town and check out the alfombras (carpets). The carpets are made with sawdust and a wide variety of other materials to adorn the streets as the procession passes by. I was stuck by the zen notion of spending a day making these beautiful carpets just to destroy them a few hours later. All of this of course is in the celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Being a very catholic town Salcajá tries to put on a good show. Guatemala, however, seems to lack bunnies that lay chocolate eggs and kids searching for candy, I suppose you can’t have it all.
Kelly and I ventured out yesterday and last night to take a look at the weekend festivities. We were really impressed with what our small pueblito put together. We were impressed not only by the beautiful alfombras, but also by how Salcajá, a relative sleepy town, came to life.
Sure Guatemala is famous for its processions and holy week celebrations, but In Salcajá you get it all with out the high gringo prices. I think the 7 Wonders of the World carpet had to be my favorite. I’m not sure how it was related to the crucifixion, but I would give them an A for creative effort. San Jacinto (the oldest church in Central America) was open and we finally got some good shots of it. All in all it has been a good week and it isn’t even over yet. We hope you enjoy the photos and, as always, we appreciate your comments.
What exactly does this mean, aside from no school/no work?? Semaña Santa (Holy Week) has religious processions through the streets, mock crucifixions, sweet garbanzo bean soup, Samaña Santa bread and everyone dressed to the nines to walk around town and check out the alfombras (carpets). The carpets are made with sawdust and a wide variety of other materials to adorn the streets as the procession passes by. I was stuck by the zen notion of spending a day making these beautiful carpets just to destroy them a few hours later. All of this of course is in the celebration of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Being a very catholic town Salcajá tries to put on a good show. Guatemala, however, seems to lack bunnies that lay chocolate eggs and kids searching for candy, I suppose you can’t have it all.
Kelly and I ventured out yesterday and last night to take a look at the weekend festivities. We were really impressed with what our small pueblito put together. We were impressed not only by the beautiful alfombras, but also by how Salcajá, a relative sleepy town, came to life.
Sure Guatemala is famous for its processions and holy week celebrations, but In Salcajá you get it all with out the high gringo prices. I think the 7 Wonders of the World carpet had to be my favorite. I’m not sure how it was related to the crucifixion, but I would give them an A for creative effort. San Jacinto (the oldest church in Central America) was open and we finally got some good shots of it. All in all it has been a good week and it isn’t even over yet. We hope you enjoy the photos and, as always, we appreciate your comments.
Making of an Alfombra
Street Shrine/Cafe
Kelly's School
Kelly's School
Petra
"The Wonders of God Created by Man"
San Jacinto The Oldest Church in Central America
San Jacinto Shrine
Kelly, Berenice & Astrid
Mosiah and Astrid
Socializing in the streets
"No More Violence" Constructed of Fruits and Veggies
Socializing in the streets
"No More Violence" Constructed of Fruits and Veggies
Another Street Shrine
Alfombra of the procession?
Mangofish
Getting ready to march
"Lets see here. Robe... check, funny hat... check. Looks like we're ready"
The men carrying Jesus
Amazing
The women come in with Mary
Mary
Grandmas, Jovencitas and kids
The alfombras afterward
Posts
4 comments:
Easter Greetings!
Those street paintings are just awesome! The people spend so much time and put so much into them. You are so fortunate to be there for the celebrations that are the heart and soul of the culture you are living in.
Just think.....next year it could be back to chocolate bunnies......
Love to you both, Mom and Dad
Great pictures and commentary. Most holidays certainly have their own local flavors...which is good; way better than an homogenized way to celebrate. I am still curious though how they let the evil Mr. HIV be part of the festivities.
You are making an impact on their lives just as they are on yours. Great memories for all concerned
love dad
Fun pictures!! Salca really does it up...in Tactic they just burn stuffed dolls in the image of other people.
sweet pictures, the street shrines and parade look awesome.
Post a Comment