The spectacular Easter festivals in Antigua, Guatemala are beyond comparison to anything in the northern hemisphere. One of its most striking aspects are the carpets — or alfombras — that adorn the processional route. The carpets are painstakingly made by hand.
What is the origin of the Alfombras de Aserrin?
Alfombras de aserrín, or “sawdust carpets,” are typically made during Holy Week to celebrate Easter in Guatemala. MassMu’s Guatemalan carpet artwork was created by Hector Castellanos Lara with immigrants and refugees from Central America and Mexico, and volunteers from Immigrant Worker Project.
What countries make Alfombras?
The tradition is still found in Mexico, Central America, parts of South America and parts of the United States, but it is strongest in Mexico and Central America.
What do alfombras represent?
Along their route, families and neighbors make flower and sawdust carpets—called alfombras de aserrín—on the streets in front of their homes. It’s a sign of their faith in God, devotion to Jesus, and love of tradition.
What do alfombras signify?
Participation in the events offered people a chance at repentance. In Guatemala, the Mayan tradition of creating elaborate “carpets” (alfombras) of feathers and flowers for kings to walk upon, meshed with these religious processions to create a colorful tradition that has been part of Guatemalan culture ever since.
What are the alfombras used in Semana Santa celebrations?
The most amazing part of Antigua’s Semana Santa celebration, however, are the colorful carpets or “alfombras” that line the streets. Sand or sawdust is used to level the cobblestones, and is dyed different colors and interwoven with bright flowers, other plants, pine needles and even fruits.
What happens to the alfombra after the procession?
The carriers of the first float would step upon the alfombra to walk its length, followed by the rest of the solemn marchers in the procession. The bands with tubas, French horns, clarinets and drums, would follow and, at the end, the trampled Alfombras would emerge as mounds of sawdust and debris.
What do Guatemalans eat Easter?
A Guide to Easter Street Food in Guatemala for Semana Santa
- Tostadas. Toasted corn tortillas spread with guacamole, black beans, and/or a mild tomato sauce, and then sprinkled with cheese and parsley.
- Enchiladas.
- Dobladas.
- Tacos.
- Chuchitos.
- Atols.
- Chiles rellenos.
- Elotes locos.
Do they have parades or processions in the Dominican Republic?
For the Dominican Republic, and especially for our sponsored population, Easter is a time of reflection and a break from everyday life. It is a time when normal life is interrupted by processions, changes in eating habits and, in many cases, lots of entertaining public parades.
What are alfombras in Semana Santa?
These special alfombras, the Spanish word for “rugs/carpets,” are elaborate street decorations made of colored sawdust, flowers or flower petals, pine needles, sand, rice, or even fruits or vegetables. … Semana Santa en Guatemala, alfombras de aserrín.
