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Writer's pictureJesyah White

EASTER IN GUATEMALA- SAMANA SANTA

Updated: Dec 21, 2022


As the week of Semana Santa, or Holy Week, approached in Guatemala, the streets of Antigua came alive with color and excitement. This annual celebration, which takes place during the week leading up to Easter, is a time of reflection and religious devotion for many Guatemalans.

One of the most striking traditions of Semana Santa in Guatemala is the ground sand painting that can be found in the streets of Antigua. Local artists create intricate designs using brightly colored sand, depicting scenes from the Bible and other religious stories.

The process of creating these sand paintings is incredibly labor-intensive, with some artists spending hours on their hands and knees carefully placing each grain of sand. The results are stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate patterns covering the streets of Antigua.

In addition to the ground sand paintings, Semana Santa in Guatemala also involves a number of other cultural traditions. Processions and parades featuring elaborate floats and costumes make their way through the streets, and religious services are held in churches throughout the city.

But perhaps the most famous tradition of Semana Santa in Guatemala is the burning of the "Judas" effigy. On the night of Holy Saturday, large effigies of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus, are burned in public squares throughout the country.

Overall, spending Semana Santa in Guatemala was a truly unforgettable experience. The combination of religious devotion and colorful cultural traditions made for a truly unique and memorable celebration

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