Visiting Antigua, Guatemala right before Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week) was great. I got to see the floats being made, as well as the unique tradition of Alfombras, colored sawdust carpets! These are made on the streets and pathways that will be taken when the models of Jesus and the stations of the cross are performed.
This one was in the main Antigua Guatemala Cathedral and featured a beautiful fuchsia sawdust Alfombras in front of a statue of Jesus. In addition offerings of mangos, cantaloupe, corn, oranges, and pineapple helped to complete the display. And then fresh flowers lined the walkway. Some will be made from sawdust, others of plants & flowers, or even sand.
While this design is fairly simple, more complex ones would soon be made by the towns people. And just like Tibetan Sand Art, these are meant to be destroyed once the procession passes over them. It is an amazing sight and only can be see close to Easter!
Learn More:
- A slice of Semana Santa
- Semana Santa
- Easter in Antigua
- Antigua Street Art
- Alfombras Street Decorations for Holy Week
Every other week Travel Thursday brings you travel tips and information on the amazing sights and activities the world has to offer.
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