For the past two years, because of the Covid pandemic, many Latin American countries cut back or eliminated Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations. This year most of this vivid pageantry is back on schedule.
In the United States, Easter observances are subdued and more or less private, interior events, although there is communal worship. In Mexico and Latin America, observance is more public and enacted rather than being a matter of solely personal devotion. This brings the events of Holy Week, the time directly leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, to life. The vivid displays are moving and unforgettable.
Building Sawdust Carpets, Antigua Guatemala
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| Procession, Antigua Guatemala |
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| Good Friday Procession, Leon Nicaragua |
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| Sawdust Carpet under construction, Leon Nicaragua |
If you are unfamiliar with Semana Santa celebrations, I invite you to explore them through these links:
Holy Saturday in Merida Mexico: https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-resurrection-of-jesus-on-good.html
Holy Week Processions: https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2014/05/holy-week-processions-with-video.html
A unique Holy Thursday tradition: https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2014/05/jesus-in-jail-holy-thursday-in-antigua.html
One of a kind Holy Wednesday tradition rooted in medieval penitential practices: https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2016/04/taking-hit-holy-wednesday-in-nandaime.html
Merging of sacred and profane during Holy Week: https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2016/06/sacred-meets-profane-holy-wednesday-in.html
The fantastic sawdust carpets of Antigua Guatemala: https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2015/03/the-anatomy-of-sawdust-carpet-lent-in.html
Video of Holy Saturday Procession: https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2015/04/video-holy-saturday-procession.html
The Last Supper Comes to Life in Merida, Mexico: https://colonialmexicoinsideandout.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-power-of-unique-image-capilla-de-el.html
The beautiful floral/plant/vegetable displays created for Holy Week:
The beautiful sawdust carpets of Nicaragua and their significance.
Granada Nicaragua's picturesque and one of a kind Via Crucis (stations of the cross) done on Lake Nicaragua in boats,
