Samana Santa - Holy Week - Antiqua

Good Friday - April 6, 2012 - Holy Week in Antiqua commemorates the Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The processions are of a religious theme depecting the last day of Christ. Breakfast at Santa Domingo Hotel, a convent transformed into a 5 star hotel.

Entering the Santa Domingo Hotel is this border on both sides of their walkway. So beautiful.

Elder & Hermana Johnson in front of Santa Domingo Hotel.

Santa Domingo Hotel fountain in courtyard.

Individuals creating their masterpiece which takes hours.

The following are some of my favorite 'alfombras' throughout the streets.

Waiting for the procession to begin. Volunteers carrying the reilgious floats are the only ones allowed to walk on the carpets. The volunteers pay to carry the platforms. Their route consists of walking the streets of Antiqua and every so often there are substitutes that trade with the volunteers so they can take a rest. They range from young to old.

There are approximately 35 men on each side of the platform, two or three in the front and back and I don't know how many under the floats. The men sway back and forth keeping rythm to balance the extremely heavy float. It was remarkable to watch them balance and sway at the same time and to make the corners was even more amazing.

Women, too, pay for the privilege to carry Mary through the streets honoring her. Their platform was not as large as the men's. It would still be very difficult to sway together and to balance the platform as far as they carry it. Those participating were from very old to young. They consider it an honor to participate.

Loved this picture of a father and daughter waiting for the process to come their way.

We were instructed to leave our purses on the van and be very cautious of our surroundings.  Purses were being slashed without the person even aware of what was happening takes place quite frequently. Well, today was no different. We were standing on this corner; there was alot of people pushing to get a better position to see the procession when a Senior Sister asked Sister Davis what happened to her purse. Someone had made two slices in her purse, took her passport (not a copy) and her money ($300.00). Luckily only one passport was taken and not her husbands too. She had no clue that had happened. They were to leave in the morning back to Belize but not so now. Elder Jensen reached in his pocket to pay for a purchase and no money. Luckily, he had money in his other pocket; Elder Murray felt something in his pocket just in time to frighten his pickpocket away. Eventful day to say the least. Yes, we were warned but one in particular did not adhere the advice.

A cleanup crew is not too far behind the procession after it completes it route to prepare for the evening procession decipting the Crucifixion in the evening. Tonight the participants will be dressed in black and platforms will be adorned with lights.

A wonderful day comes to an end - an opportunity to see a Catholic tradition that has taken place for many centuries. Senior Couples waiting and discussing events of the day before heading back to Guatemala.