A Sea of Purple: Celebrating Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Known to be not only be one of Central America’s most exciting places to celebrate the Easter holidays, but also one of the world’s, Guatemala is home to some of the most elaborate celebrations leading up to Easter Sunday to commemorate the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.

Historically used as a way to explain the story of Jesus, Semana Santa traditions in Guatemala combine the Holy Week processions of Spanish Catholics from the 1500s with an ancient Mayan tradition of creating intricate alfombras (carpets) for kings to walk upon.

Naturally, serving as a Kiva Fellow in Guatemala during the country’s most vibrant and colorful time of year, I was excited to check it all out. From the most traditional and famous processions that take place in the hot spot colonial town of Antigua (known for being second to Spain for having the most fascinating processions) to some of the largest ones in the capital of Guatemala City, here’s a glimpse into how Guatemaltecos celebrate Semana Santa.

A procession depicting the Resurrection of Christ departs from the historical Iglesia La Merced in Antigua on Easter Sunday.

A sea of male devotees dressed in purple robes, a color historically known to be associated with both royalty and suffering, flood the streets during the holy week while women devotees can traditionally be found dressed in either all black or white.

The streets the processions go through can be found blanketed by intricate alfombras (carpets) created from either colored sawdust, sand, flowers or even pine needles. Oftentimes, fruits and vegetables are included as offerings.

Clouds of smoke and the smell of incense fill the air as gigantic floats, weighing several tons, with sculptures depicting various images of Jesus are carried throughout the streets. Each procession leaves its church and follows a route before returning several hours later.

The Cucuruchos (carriers of these floats) participate as a form of penance and devotion. Bookings are required up to a year in advance to be a participant, with heftier fees required to be closer to the front.