Antigua Holidays
Holy week
The Holy week or Easter week is without doubt the main event in Antigua city and one of the best times to visit Guatemala. This time shows all religious and folkloric traditions of this country. The main events like processions, the creation of special altars inside churches, vigils, carpets made with flowers that decorate the streets where the processions pass, the “Via Crucis” and native rites happens on Holy Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Holy Friday, Saturday of Glory and Easter Sunday. During these celebrations are mixed Christian traditions and the ancient Mayan beliefs.
The processions are especially impressive, lines of devotees dressed special robes accompanying the images of Jesus of Nazareth and the Virgin Mary as well as other saints. The image of Christ is carried only by men and the image of Mary is carried only by women. The most of processions are accompanied by funeral music. This time is the best to visit the city.
Corpus Christi
The “Corpus Christi” is celebrated every year 60 days after Easter and always on Thursday. During this time drums and cherimoyas are played to proclaim the celebrations. Insides the churches, beautiful altars are made and the procession of the “Santísimo” (the Sacred Body of Christ) leaves to the streets. Usually this feast is celebrated in May or June.
Posadas
These celebrations are part of the Christmas traditions and start on December 16 every year. This tradition exists also in Mexico and almost whole Central America. The “Posadas” are small processions representing the pilgrimage of Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary the Christmas Eve. The figures are accompanied by groups of children singing carols and playing music on “chinchines” (a local musical instrument) and turtle shells.
Christmas
Christmas is celebrated making representations of the birth of Christ, during this celebration all houses has little “Nacimientos” and look beautifully decorated. Churches display Christmas scenes and close the main Altar.
Santiago’s Day
Santiago is the patron of the city since originally Antigua was named “Santiago de los Caballeros”, therefore on July 25, the day of Santiago and the anniversary of foundation of the city; there are many parades, dances and religious ceremonies to celebrate this date.
Back to:
Spanish in Guatemala
Spanish in Latin America
Spanish courses
| 
Send to a friend
