Guatemalan Alfombras

  • Staci Percy
  • Apr 1, 2012

Guatemala Easter Festival

 

The Sunday School youth at Birch Run-Taymouth have finished “traveling” around the world by taking a look at a very special Central American tradition. Antigua, Guatemala is home to the largest Easter celebration in the world in in which Passion, the Crucifix and the Resurrection of Jesus are commemorated. The entire city takes part in the event that begins on Palm Sunday and continues all week to Easter Sunday. One of the most impressive aspects of the Easter Festival (Semana Santa) are the alfombras (Arabic word for carpet) that adorn the processional route. These “carpets” consist of all natural decorations such as pine needles, colored sand and flower petals. The carpet designs reflect biblical symbolism and scenes from nature. The art of carpet-making is thought of as a sacrifice because of the intense detail and amount of time dedicated to their creation, only to be destroyed once the processions pass. This is a way for the people to give something of themselves in memory of Christ’s death.

Our youth at Birch Run-Taymouth have designed a “carpet” to celebrate the beginning of Holy week. Please look at, walk on, stand on, and enjoy our version of the Guatemalan traditions. May it also be a reminder what this time of year represents and what Jesus did for everyone.

Click here to see a few pictures of the event.