Semana Santa in Antigua

Guatemala

There can be few such incredible experiences in the world as to be in Antigua Guatemala during Semana Santa. The celebrations last the entire week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, with the principal processions occurring on Good Friday. The most unusual aspect of Antigua's holy week processions are the elaborate and stunningly beautiful coloured carpets made by hand out of flower petals, pine needles and vividly dyed sawdust. Huge biers with priceless colonial effigies of Christ, the apostles and the Virgin Mary are borne by the penitents. Weighing over three and a half tons, they are carried by teams of 80 to 100 people. Hundreds of participants accompany the procession, taking turns to carry the weighty biers. The processions wind for hours through the ancient colonial city of Antigua Guatemala on its quaint cobblestone streets.

All this started with local residents throwing pine needles on the cobbles to make the going easier for the penitents and their mighty load. Later, some neighbourhoods added flower petals. From there each street, wanting to outdo the other, started adding designs, and finally using brilliantly coloured sawdust to make more elaborate pieces. Now people from all over the country come to Antigua to design the most incredible scenes on these street carpets, some worthy of inclusion in art galleries. Each year the designs grow more creative and artistic. Professional designers as well as talented amateurs try their hand at creating an artwork bigger and better than any that have gone before. Last year there was a carpet made entirely out of fresh vegetables. Residents and visitors alike commence the evening before to complete their tasks in time for the cortege. Yet with all this work and expense, there are no prizes awarded. It is just the satisfaction that you have created a great artwork for the glory of God. And the most amazing thing of all is that the processions tramp over these incredible works of art, obliterating them entirely during their passage. What better way to show the power of Christian faith over the capricious works of mankind?

With pleasure we offer you a wonderful opportunity to experience this unique world class spectacle. Our itinerary includes the major processions in Antigua, as well as visits to the Maya highlands and it's markets of Chichicastenango and Almolonga, glorious Lake Atitlan and the fascinating city of Quetzaltenango with its indigenous traditions and neoclassic architecture. Please note that space goes fast for this period. Accommodation is very limited in Antigua at this time, and already hotels are fully booked. After February 15, hotels tend to be fully booked, so act now if you want to witness this incredible spectacle!

The Itinerary

Day 1 (Saturday 1 week before Easter):
Arrive in Guatemala City. Meeting at the airport and transfer to Antigua Guatemala, which is a scenic drive of 45 minutes. Overnight in Radisson Villa Antigua.

Day 2:
After breakfast, we drive high into green mountains to the indian town of Chichicastenago. Enjoy the largest open-air market in Central America, where you will find handicrafts at incredibly low prices (use your best bargaining skills!). In the afternoon, drive to Panajachel, situated on glorious Lake Atitlan. Hotel Atitlan (B).

Day 3:
Lake Atitlan has been described as the most beautiful lake in the world. It is certainly unique and spectacular, surrounded by three impressive volcanoes. We travel by launch across the calm waters to visit the fascinating lakeside village of Santiago. Afternoon at leisure. Hotel Atitlan (B L)

Day 4:
In the afternoon, we drive deeper into the Maya highlands, past Alaska, the highest point on the Interamerican Highway, to the capital of the indigenous mountain communities, Quetzaltenango, or Xelahu in the ancient Maya tongue. Overnight at the simple but charming Pension Bonifaz, located right on the principal Plaza (B).

Day 5:
Visit the surrounding villages, including Zunil, famous for its extremely colourful textiles. Drop in on the busy market at Almolonga, the market garden of Guatemala and also visit the beautiful hot springs of Fuentes Georginas, in the Pacific cloud forest on the side of Zunil Volcano. In the afternoon, transfer back to Antigua Guatemala. Overnight Radisson Villa Antigua (B).

Day 6:
Antigua is a true colonial gem, and this morning we visit the principal sights on foot with a local historian, who will include centuries old churches, convents and plazas. Many buildings have been beautifully restored; others remain as they were after the devastating earthquakes of 1773 and 1976. In the afternoon, a guided tour of local villages and countryside around Antigua. Overnight Radisson Villa Antigua (B)

Day 7:
Today is the principal day of processions. Our guide accompanies us as we stroll the streets of Antigua appreciating the wonderfully artistic street carpets, and following the processions as they wind through the quaint cobblestone streets of this ancient colonial city. Overnight in Radisson Villa Antigua (B).

Day 8:
Full-day visit to Guatemala City. Guatemala City is the largest city in Central America. A 45-minute scenic drive brings us to the historic centre, where we visit the Cathedral and imposing National Palace, both located on the main square. Afterwards, we visit the remarkable Relief Map, built in 1905, it was a wonder of its day, and still impresses visitors. Lunch on your own in the Zona Viva, then a brief visit to the National Archaeological Museum (admission fee of about US$ 5.00 not included) or the lovely artisans market next door (your choice). Return to Antigua by mid-afternoon (B).

Day 9:
Transfers to the International Airport for departure flights or continuation of jour journey.

General Information

Rated: Easy

Included:
8 nights accommodation with hotel tax and full breakfast daily, all transfers and tours as indicated in the itinerary.

Not included:
Meals not mentioned, tips, personal expenses, telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc.

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