Sacred Connection
Boy helps father during long procession. Semana Santa festivities were imported into Guatemala in 1524 from Spain. The Spanish traditions have evolved to incorporate local mayan beliefs. During Easter Week there a multiple processions per day to carry the floats, or Andas, depicting the events of the last week of Jesus Christ's life. Massive andas, up to 18m long, require 50-100 bearers, or Cucuruchos. The processions last for 12-18 hours each, weaving all across the small city center, often finishing near midnight. The smell and smoke of incense, the somber sounds of the marching bands, and the prayer and penance of the cucuruchos make it a moving and unforgettable experience.
Sacred Connection
Boy helps father during long procession. Semana Santa festivities were imported into Guatemala in 1524 from Spain. The Spanish traditions have evolved to incorporate local mayan beliefs. During Easter Week there a multiple processions per day to carry the floats, or Andas, depicting the events of the last week of Jesus Christ's life. Massive andas, up to 18m long, require 50-100 bearers, or Cucuruchos. The processions last for 12-18 hours each, weaving all across the small city center, often finishing near midnight. The smell and smoke of incense, the somber sounds of the marching bands, and the prayer and penance of the cucuruchos make it a moving and unforgettable experience.