Semana Santa / Holy Week

Semana Santa, Guatemala's most famous festivals, is a week-long celebration of Christian Holy Week. The city sidewalks and church floors are carpeted with brightly colored sawdust and flower petals alfombras. Easter is the oldest and most important Christian event, with a date that is determined by the lunar calendar rather than a fixed date. As a result, Semana Santa might occur anywhere between late March and mid-April. Easter Sunday will be on April 12 in 2020.

Guatemala's Holy Week, also known as Semana Santa, is a really unique event. Although celebrations take place all across the country, Antigua is the most vivid, with streets carpeted with alfombra, complex rugs made of dyed sawdust that take teams of people a whole day to build.

Mangoes, pineapples, and oranges are among the fruits that are arranged in elaborate patterns. The religious processions then proceed slowly through the streets, stepping on the carpets and destroying them as they do so, accompanied by mournful music, swaying incense, and groups of worshippers. While processions are held every day, the largest are held on Palm Sunday and Good Friday.

Date: April 10th - April 14th (2022 Date)