Happy good Friday everyone!
As a result of having spent less than a full month in several prior countries, we were able to logistically squeeze in a 12th country in 11 months. Welcome to Guatemala…Not only is this a treat to get an extra country in, but to be here during the Easter season is quite special as well…
So to make up for the lack of blogs the last month, here is a hot off the press exclusive that I stayed up all night last night (literally til 5:30am) to capture and bring you a once a year glimpse into what is known as one of the largest Semana Santa (holy week) celebrations in all of Latin America. Here in Antigua, Guatemala, there are many serious (or pious) Catholics who take Easter very seriously.
What you’ll see below is the annual 4am Procession that starts the morning of Good Friday… and what people from all around the world travel to see. And I certainly am not one to miss out on such an opportunity. So of the 14 world racers here, I was somehow the only one to muster up the energy to forge through the rainy cold night… and while I wouldn’t say this whole thing knocked my socks off, I am glad I got to experience one of the truly monumental events in Central America that marks this life changing story of Christ’s death on a cross so that we may all spend eternity in heaven.
Lets get the night going…
Around 1am there are Roman soldiers in the street playing the role of the local High School marching band announcing the commencement of a big night to come…
Around 1-3am: All throughout the street, artists make elaborate “carpets” that are made of sand, saw-dust, flowers and other organic materials. These works of art will not last more than a hour or so as they serve only to be trampled on by the procession. This is supposedly analogous of the laying of palm leaves when Christ rode in on a donkey… but leave it artisans to one up the palm leaves and create these temporary masterpieces.
The “procession” starts at one of the largest cathedrals that is just 3 blocks from our hostel. Thousands of people gather at in front to await the ceremonies. Loud speakers read off passages of the Bible that describe the moments leads up to Christ’s sentencing. Prayers are said in unison by the faithful Spanish speaking Catholics as if everyone had been rehearsing this all year (but in all likely hood, they’ve been doing this annually their whole lives).
I was shocked too. My guess is Judas…? (for those who haven’t caught on, its not levitating, but hanging from the tree)
3:30am- Roman centurions on horseback. Note how I fought to the front of the crowds to get the best picture and this is what my camera gives me…
4:15am The main attraction arrives. A school bus sized stage/float/re-enactment of Christ carrying the cross (not sure what to call it), carried by faithful patrons on their shoulders out of the cathedral and down the streets. The idea, apparently, is for those carrying this 2-3 ton load on their shoulders to feel the same (or similar) weight and discomfort that Christ himself felt as he shouldered His cross. I’ve been told that many Catholics believe this is a way to earn the forgiveness of their sins. Hence, it is a great honor to be able to carry this, and families have had reserved spots for years to do so. 
Here you can see the stage is made of solid wood and no one is smiling… thing is heavy!
Here’s the kicker…I saw a smaller procession the previous day (didn’t have my camera). There were 3 smaller stages being carried, but all about the size of a mid-size sedan. To my bewilderment, the first was bring carried by 12-13 yr old boys! The second was being shouldered by 7-9 yr old girls!! And the last one was being carried by women in skirts and heels!!! Keep in mind they were walking on the most uneven cobble stone roads ever… in heels! Personally I thought having little boys and girls carry such a heavy load bordered cruel and inhumane… but when I commented to a local in the crowd how sad this was, she simply said, “yes, but they are all very faithful.” I guess sometimes I have to take a step back and realize I’m ‘not in the Kansas anymore.’
From the rear. Think the new years Rose Parade without wheels!
Families, tourists from all over the world, young and old, stay up til the wee hours of the night to catch a glimpse. Luckily everyone was well-behaved…considering most of the bars were open late that night too. 
Here’s a pine needle carpet right before the procession comes by. 
And here’s the procession walking right over these works of art. 
Ironically enough, I had a similar experience. A few days prior, while exploring the largest cathedral in town I was completely unaware of sand carpets at the time. As I was looking around at all the ornate fixtures and statues, I noticed that it suddenly felt like I was walking on the beach… “but why would there be sand kicking up in my flip flops in the middle of a church,” I thought to myself. Oh crap! Then I looked down. Then I looked around, and saw the condemning eyes of every old lady as they mouthed the words, “Dios mio!” (my God!) But seriously, why would they not rope it off!? Needless to say I haven’t spent much time going back to that Cathedral much. 
Some different looks…
with the help of stencil like cut out, even the ninos can take part in the art!
Because Semana Santa is such a huge deal here in Antigua, the opportunities for ministry have been limited. But once Easter is over, we will be working with an amazing organization called New Generation that helps troubled youth and does gospel presentations at various middle-schools. We’ve also been helping out a bit at a local mental hospital, helping take care of long-term care patients. More to come on that.
Hope you all have a wonder Easter! Will be back home in less than 3 weeks!
“He himself bore our sins� in his body on the cross, so that we might
die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been
healed.� 1 Pet 2:24
