Lent

Processional Float Turn Markings

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This markings on the streets and sidewalks signal the beginning or end of the different turns of processional floats (andas) which cucuruchos (carriers) are allowed to carry before new carriers take over. Cucuruchos pay for as many turns as they can afford or the amount of penitence they feel they should exercise to the Hermandades … Read more

Lent in Antigua Guatemala Began on Ash Wednesday

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Miércoles de ceniza by Leonel [nelo] Mijangos

The Cuaresma (Lent) period which leads into Semana Santa (Holy Week) begins every year with Miércoles de ceniza (Ash Wednesday). As in previous years, I set myself aside and let my dear friend Nelo share his excellent Cuaresma imagery since he’s quite possibly the person with most photos of Lent and the Holy Week; he’s … Read more

Antigua Lent Processions: San Bartolo part 2

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Antigua Lent Processions: San Bartolo by Leonel -Nelo- Mijangos

Today’s Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) which means we are at the commencement of the world-famous Holy Week in Antigua Guatemala. We carry on our series Antigua Lent Processions thanks to the wonderful imagery of our friend and collaborator Leonel [Nelo] Mijangos who has taken to the task to document every Lent procession in La … Read more

Antigua Lent Processions: San Bartolo part 1

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Antigua Lent Processions: San Bartolo by Leonel -Nelo- Mijangos

The San Bartolo procession is among the biggest from the Antigua Lent Processions series. In fact, I remember publishing in previous years that San Bartolo and San Felipe procession were the biggest of all the procession in Guatemala. So, I will split the all the photos in two days. When we started the Antigua Lent … Read more

Antigua Lent Processions: Santa Ana

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We continue our series Antigua Lent Processions thanks to the wonderful imagery of our friend and collaborator Leonel [Nelo] Mijangos who has taken to the task to document every Lent procession in La Antigua Guatemala in the last decade. Santa Ana is another village of La Antigua Guatemala that is so close that you can … Read more

Antigua Lent Processions: Jesús de Santa Inés

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2011 Jesús de Santa Inés Procession by Leonel -Nelo- Mijangos

The village of Santa Inés is located on the edge of La Antigua Guatemala, to the right of the road that takes you to Guatemala City. I shared with you a photograph of the road taken from Santa Inés on April 1, 2011. I would venture to say that because Santa Inés village is located … Read more

Antigua Lent Processions: Nazareno de la Iglesia de Jocotenango

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2011 Nazareno de la Iglesia de Jocotenango Procession by Leonel -Nelo- Mijangos

North by Northwest, that’s how you get to Jocotenango from Antigua Guatemala’s Plaza Mayor (main plaza). Jocotenango is not a village of La Antigua Guatemala. Jocotenango is a municipality with its own elected mayor and all. Jocotenango is so close to La Antigua Guatemala that when you take La Calle Ancha which becomes La Calle … Read more

Antigua Lent Processions: Jesús de Santa Catalina Bobadilla

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2011 Jesús de Santa Catalina Bobadilla Procession by Leonel -Nelo- Mijangos

First thing first, my dear friend Nelo informs me that on the first Wednesday of the Lent period, also known as Ash Wednesday, the first velación (wake ceremony I believe is the translation for it; correct me if I’m wrong) is organized for the following Saturday at Santa Catalina Bobadilla, which is ALWAYS the first … Read more

Separation of Church and State In Antigua Guatemala

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For those who don’t know, the building that appears in the photo is La Antigua Guatemala Municipal government building, simply known as La Muni. The altar shown in the foreground was installed for the commencement of the Lent season. So, there’s your answer about any real separation between Church and State in La Antigua Guatemala. … Read more

Girls Procession

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Transference: the action of transferring something or the process of being transferred. With these processions not only the heavy floats are being transferred, but also the culture and the religious fervor. If we delve into the realms of the psychoanalysis, we could talk about transference neurosis; however that’s way too deep and complex for a … Read more

The Broom-head Romans Are Back

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I have honestly tried not put as many Cuaresma/Lent and Semana Santa/Holy Week photos here. I could, in theory, have a Lent/Holy Week photo each day since Ash Wednesday, but this is not a religious website: it is rather a blogumentary of La Antigua Guatemala and as such I try to cover all aspects of … Read more

Lent Season Decorations Over City Hall

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As in previous years, La Antigua Guatemala begins wearing violet or purple decorations over doors, windows and balconies. Heck, even the jacaranda trees wear violet during Cuaresma. Also, in previous years we have discussed the significance of the color purple (or violet) which is very prominent during Lent and Holy Week. The first person who … Read more

Lent’s First Sunday Procession

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Lent's First Sunday Procession

Sunday was such a great day in La Antigua Guatemala; nice weather conditions and a wonderful atmosphere all around town with people enjoying the processions. The Holy Week aromas could be smelled everywhere. Music, balloons, chupetes, clowns, cucuruchos, town fair food; what a cornucopia for the senses.

If you don’t already have your plane ticket, I suggest you buy now, life is too short to miss Semana Santa in La Antigua Guatemala. 😉

Portfolio Aside: Some of the photos that you see here everyday were turned into high-quality large-format prints to add colorful imagery to the walls of Máximo Nivel Spanish School in La Antigua Guatemala. If you’re interested in getting large format prints from my photographs to add color to your walls or as gifts, please, get in touch with me. Of course, you can also purchase 8″x10″ and 11″x14″ high quality prints from the Buy photos page. If you want to keep up with all the places where the AntiguaDailyPhoto images show up, check the Portfolio page regularly.

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