Tag Archives: Easter

Obeisance & Alfombras in Guatemala

The first steps taken onto the alfombra by the procession bearers. Antigua, Guatemala -- Karina Noriega

 

Alfombras made of coloured sawdust and flowers adorn the streets of Antigua, Guatemala -- Karina Noriega

Alfombras made of coloured sawdust and flowers adorn the streets of Antigua, Guatemala — Karina Noriega

The first article in the series devoted to the Lent celebrations of Antigua, Guatemala introduced the Velaciones, honouring the Catholic icons within their church home.

This week, I explored the concept of the alfombras or carpets created before each procession. These elaborate but temporary works of art are some of the most beautiful displays that can be observed colonial Antigua and the surrounding towns on a weekly basis throughout the 6 weeks of Lent.

I took to the streets to learn how the long-lasting tradition began and why it continues to be important for local people.

Alfombras range widely in design and materials. Each carpet is unique and changes for every procession. Antigua, Guatemala -- Karina Noriega

Alfombras range widely in design and materials. Each carpet is unique and changes for every procession. Antigua, Guatemala — Karina Noriega

What are alfombras?

Alfombras are large hand-made carpets normally created out of brightly coloured sawdust, flowers and vegetation.

When are alfombras the created?

Alfombras are expressly created prior to the arrival of a procession. Depending on the hour the procession will pass, people may spend an entire sleepless night preparing the alfombra.

The bearers of the procession’s andas (the massive display platforms) will then carry the image of Christ and the Virgin Mary over the alfombra, completely destroying it.

Alfombras - First steps

Who makes each of the alfombras? Who covers the costs and labour? 

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Velación at Santa Inés, Guatemala

Veladora PanoOur arrival in Antigua, Guatemala has been punctuated by fascinating, religious celebrations corresponding with the 40 days of Lent in the Catholic religion.

On the second Friday of Lent, we joined thousand of people making the pilgrimage to a hilltop church outside of historic, colonial Antigua, Guatemala. The church was packed with wall-to-wall parishioners who came to honour the ‘Venerada Imagen de Jesús Nazareno, Aldea Santa Inés del Montepulciano.’  We were calmly sucked into continuous rotation of Guatemalans trying to reach the pulpit. The altar has been replaced by an exquisitely adorned handmade ‘carpet’ of coloured sawdust, flowers, fruits and vegetable, a cultural staple of Easter in Guatemala. Above the carpet, a nativity scene is set depicting a story from the bible. They come to pray, to ask for forgiveness and to give thanks. And they come to take pictures of the stunning display this year. (Changes every year)

We found ourselves easily funnelled back out to the celebratory atmosphere of the night. Live music, food vendors and revellers gave out spirited joy and sugary sweet aromas. Veladora Combo

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