Alfombras

Well today is actually Easter, which I'm sure all of you already know, so that means I am a bit behind on the blogging front! Se la vie...
Another huge aspect of the week are the beautiful alfombras or carpets that are made all through-out the week. There are two type of carpets made during Semana Santa. The first are carpets in the churches that are made for the holy vigils and are made by the brotherhoods.
The carpets are made in front of the religious figure on display and are surrounded by fruits, vegetables and candles brought as offerings to the church the day before.

So much food going to waste - eek!

Jesus cake and lizard bread

The second type of carpets are along the processional routes in the streets. These carpets are made by residents or businesses and express both religious as well as contemporary messages in the designs.  Preparations for the carpets begin weeks, sometimes months, ahead. Sand or sawdust is generally used to level the cobblestone roadway.  Sawdust is then collected and dyed in different colors.  Favorite colors are purple, green, blue, red, yellow and black.  Flowers such as bougainvillea, chrysanthemums, carnations, roses and other native plants and pine needles are also used.
Carpets are started the day before the procession and the construction is timed so that the carpets are finished just before the carriers of the float arrive so that carpet looks its best.
The carriers of the main float are the first ones allowed to walk over the carpet.  They are followed the rest of the procession. These are a few of my favorites that we have seen this week:

yes those are bank pens, free advertisement!

bottle tops, cheetos, and tea bags. por que no?

toilet paper rolls and mayan worry dolls

no quite as pretty after the procession

So that is Semana Santa in a very small nutshell. We had a great time this week hanging out with friends in Antigua and soaking up the cultural experience. God had truly blessed us with an amazing community here in Guatemala and we are already getting sad to leave them in only 2.5 months :( On a happier note we are excited for tomorrow when we will be adding to our awesome community by welcoming the new Mano Con Mano missionaries, Gerry and Barbara to Guatemala! Stay tuned for more on that front...

Happy Easter and He is Risen!