Good Friday in Guatemala

Examples of Good Friday's las alfombras (carpets).

But look closely,these are made with pine needles and colored sawdust! I mean REALLY look at this photo. It looks a like a real carpet! Can you imagine how hard it would be to do this to such perfection??? (FYI: in the above photo, your eyes aren't playing tricks; they are Americans joining in the festivities!)

This is so fascinating! You imagine what lengths people go to to create floats for the Macy's Day parade, and this is so much more elaborate and creative -- and a beautiful way to remember this heartbreaking day in Christian history. And this takes place in Antigua -- where Ray and I are going to travel for a day!!

On Good Friday the streets of Antigua are covered with natural, aromatic carpets (alfombras) of flowers, pines, clover and fruits, which the residents put together and place in front of their homes. There are all kinds and shapes. Some are very long, even up to a kilometer, with colonial, Mayan, Roman or other original designs. At 3:00 A.M., preparations begin for the mock trial and sentencing of Christ. Participants dress as Roman soldiers, Pontius Pilate and other participants in the drama. At 7:00 A.M., the sculpture of Christ carrying his crucifix is moved through the carpeted main streets of Antigua on the shoulders of his worshipers until early afternoon, when the image is replaced by another of Christ being laid to rest.

At 4:30 P.M., Antigua becomes adorned with black crepe paper as thousands of people, burning incense and dressed in black, crowd the plazas and streets. A spectacular procession (procesione) is led by the man bearing the crucifix, with hundreds of followers (cucuruchos) carrying black banners and standards engraved with the final words of Christ and the pronouncements of God. Life-like images representing the archangels, the Stations of the Cross, the Cavalry, the apostles and many others are part of the silent procession through the streets, where multitudes pray quietly. The image of Christ is laid to rest in a church at 11:00 P.M.

This carpet really lets you see the pine needles. Can you believe it's over 1000 ft. long?

This is such a beautiful culture, and a beautiful way to honor Christ.