Easter and Holy Week: Cultural Traditions Not to Miss in Antigua, Guatemala
When we told our boys—ages 9 and 6 1/2—that we’d be traveling to Guatemala over Easter, their only concern was whether or not the Easter Bunny would still visit them.
Not knowing exactly what our schedule would be, how much access we’d have to materials to accommodate our normal egg-dying traditions, and how much time we’d have to prepare, we set low expectations but reassured the boys that they’d have an Easter they wouldn’t forget. And forget they won’t!
Today, we went to Antigua—a colonial town in Guatemala. There, we experienced a beautiful and elaborate Catholic procession complete with floats; streets carpeted with Christ-adorned designs made out of saw dust, pine needles, flowers, salt, and fruits and vegetables; and families dressed in black, following the 8-hour long procession with feeling, reminiscing and mourning Christ’s death.
The video below captures the beauty and importance of this amazing tradition! Although I am not Catholic, this event touched my soul, causing me to reflect on and appreciate my own beliefs. I hope it does the same for you. I wish you all a Happy Easter and Passover season and peace during this time of year!
This is wonderful! We were there a few years ago picking up our son whom we adopted from Guatemala!
Happy Easter!
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[...] hope you like this video my wife, @jylpattee from Mom It Forward, put together of our recent visit to Antigua, Guatemala, where we celebrated Holy Week by watching [...]
That is great that you had a chance to participate in this wonderful cultural tradition. This seems so much more meaningful than the typical American Good Friday/Easter celebration. I like that it’s more of a funeral feel that I think is more appropriate for Good Friday. Thanks for sharing.
Was in Guatemala last year for the precession and it was spectacular. Thank you for the beautiful video to let me remember the way it touched my heart
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
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Was in Guatemala last year for the precession and it was spectacular. Thank you for the beautiful video to let me remember the way it touched my heart
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
nice post. thanks.
[...] and culturally rich experience by offering them a variety of activities, including sight seeing, traditional events, as well as opportunities to have play dates with Guatemalan children their same [...]