Have you ever thought about visiting Guatemala? Well, let me tell you that one of the best times to visit is Holy Week. The explosion of colors, scent, music, and devotion invades the streets in a spectacle that you shouldn’t miss. This is an unusual celebration that is not found in any other country.
Imagine walking in streets full of masterpieces made with dyed sawdust, flower petals, flowers, and even fruits and vegetables. These are the famous Holy Week carpets, a tradition that makes every street an art gallery. The most impressive about this sawdust carpets is that it can take hours to be made, but they disappear in a matter of minutes, when the processions step on them. This artwork has an expiration date!
The processions are something characteristic of Holy Week in Guatemala. These are not just any parades; they are majestic walks where enormous “andas” (wooden structures that can weigh several tons) are carried on the shoulders of dozens of devotees called cucuruchos, and they can dress in purple robes or later black robes or in elegant suits. The music is played by bands, with solemn marches, and the aroma of incense fills the air, a mystical atmosphere that surrounds locals and visitors alike.
Even though Holy Week is celebrated all around the country, the epicenter of this festivity is Antigua Guatemala. Antigua is a colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that comes alive with daily processions, streets covered with carpets, and an atmosphere so vibrant that it is impossible not to feel part of the celebration. Other places where this holiday is also intensely celebrated are Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango, and Chichicastenango. If you don’t want to be so crowded, Guatemala City is the best place to live this holiday.
Like any special holiday, Holy Week in Guatemala comes with special cuisine. You can’t leave without trying the traditional molletes (bread filled with custard and dipped in honey), vizcaina cod, sweet chickpeas, empanadas, and so much more! Along with the processions, the food plays a significant role in the celebration, so prepare to eat like a king!
To enjoy this holiday, we suggest you be early to look for a perfect spot to see the processions or to photograph the sawdust carpets; the key is to wake up early! Bring comfortable clothes and shoes for a hot day and something for the chilly nights; respect the traditions; this is a religious holiday, so be respectful with the devotees and the activities; not everything is processions; leave time to enjoy the typical meals.
Holy Week in Guatemala is not a celebration; it is a full sensorial experience. Between the colors of the sawdust carpets, the solemnity of the processions, the aromas of incense, and the delicious gastronomy, every moment is an unforgettable memory. Therefore, Guatemala welcomes you if you’re searching for a vacation that combines tradition, culture, and lots of excitement.
