[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZEED4iMv8c&w=420&h=315]
Guatemala’s Semana Santa — the Easter Festival — in the former colonial capital are beyond comparison to anything in the northern hemisphere. Along cobblestone streets, intricate carpets of colored sawdust are painstakingly laid down. Later, a solemn procession of Roman centurions march over the carpets, carrying an image of Christ on the cross. Music and swinging incense burners accompany the robed cofradia. During these lively days leading up to Easter Sunday elaborate ceremonies re-enact the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
Carpets of Semana Santa – Antigua, Guatemala Easter Festival
One of the most impressive aspects of the Easter Festival in Antigua are the “carpets” that adorn the processional route. Residents along the streets begin preparations weeks and even months in advance creating these beautifully intricate offerings. Sand is first laid to level the cobblestone, followed by sawdust that has been collected and dyed to bright shades of red, yellow, blue, purple, green and black. Pine needles, flowers and native plants are also used for decoration and fragrance.
The carpet designs reflect Maya tradition, biblical symbolism and scenes from nature. The art of carpet-making is thought of as sacrificial because of the intense detail and amount of time dedicated to their creation, only to be destroyed once the processions pass.
For nearly a decade, we have shared this culture-rich event with our travelers on our Guatemala Easter Festival trip. It is a trip is designed coincide with Semana Santa and filled with spirituality, artistry, tradition and infectious energies. Want to go?
Very interesting video, loved it!
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This is great - thanks for sharing this video, so talented!
your post is really great i love to see the videos
Thanks for such a nice videos
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During the good friday early in the moring the highlight is to watch the making of the best carpets in the world, at 8am the procesion is comming and get more pictures of that, after spain Antigua the second best in the world, also this place is the top city in world second is located Tokyo japon. And this year is in the list of the 10 happiest countries!
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