Today we got up at midnight to see the carpets being made. It is really cool. During Holy Week, Antigua Guatemala has the most beautiful religious celebrations; they truly go all out! They have huge processions that wind their way through the streets. The celebration begins on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and reaches its max on Good Friday. The processions consists of big floats (made of mahogany wood) bearing statues of Jesus carrying the cross, Mary, and other saints. The floats are carried by hundreds of men wearing purple robes.
The people of Antigua make carpets (they are called Alfombras in Spanish). These carpets are made from dyed saw dust and flowers. They make the carpets on the cobblestoned streets. Then once the procession goes around the feet of the bearers destroy the carpet. The carpet is made for Jesus. It was raining so it did limit the people.
Since one of the Peace Corps Volunteer knew a Guatemalan Peace Corps Volunteer we got invited by the locals to help make a carpet. It was such an awesome experience. I helped lay the saw dust; our design was two hands, a sun, and peace (paz). Visiting Antigua during Holy Week and Easter is something I will never forget!
Then after the celebration we all went to have dinner at Fredas… and splurged on our expensive meal… I was so excited to have a chicken Cesar salad (no dressing/balsamic on the side).
Disclaimer This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.
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