This has been an extremely busy week, quite different from the relaxing Easter's spent poolside with the Walker's. Every day there was a celebration to attend followed by meals with the entire family. Each night I went to bed exhausted having walked many miles. The weather was fantastic for Semana Santa!

Easter here is a photographer's dreamland. The use of color in the making of the alfombras (designs made with dyed wood chips, flowers, fruit, bread, etc.) is artistic. I have hundreds of photos as every alfombra is so beautiful. I can only share a few.

This one made of lettuce, radishes and carrots

This one made by a panderia (bread store)

The alfombras took many hours to complete. They were gone the minute the procession passed!





The processions throughout the week were unique, each having a theme. By Friday, the processions had become somber with all of the cucuchuros no longer in purple, now in black for the day of the crucifixion. I enjoyed immensely the first procession. Rosalinda, Carlos and I walked many miles to a small pueblo outside of Antigua. This was a procession for the locals, I was one of the few gringos attending, obvious by the looks I received.

The last procession, which was on Sunday, was my favorite. Celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, the entire day was joyous. We left the house at 12:30pm and returned around 5:30pm. We had been walking the entire time, making our way through the streets of Antigua with the float. By Sunday, most of the tourists had gone home, this was a celebration of the people in Antigua. As there were fewer people and this procession had to make its way through most of the town, anyone and everyone that wanted to help carry the float was welcome. This included me. After attempting it myself and only being able to go one block, only now did I truly appreciate what the people had been through all week to make the processions possible. Those things are heavy. I would say it was like having 50 to 70 pounds placed on one shoulder. After 15 minutes I needed someone to take my place. Today my shoulder is sore! Below are a few pictures from the various processions.....these are a people of great faith.


















  

Needless to say, the events of the week were emotional and contemplative. I loved every minute of every day.

Now I am back to my Spanish classes in the morning. I start at the hospital on Wednesday (the yellow church/hospital show above with the children in wheelchairs). Tomorrow I am climbing Mt. Pacaya in the afternoon so we can see the lava fire at night. I am told to wear shoes that won't melt....I am not sure which pair of shoes that would be!

There were many other great pictures of the people taken this week, but those will have to wait until the next time.....

Hope you had a wonderful Easter!
cathy