Las Procesiones

The Processions during Semana Santa in Antigua are some of the most incredible things to see. As per Catholic tradition, men and women pay to carry huge replicas and symbols of Jesus an Mary. This carrying of the figures represents is a symbol for payment of the sins that you committed throughout the year. Before one carries this replica he or she must pay and then confess the sins of that year. Then for 100 meters, you carry this heavy figure. We watched the procession from the Escuela de Cristo church. It would through the city and we stopped to watch the entire event. The timing was perfect because we were front row and it was just dusk. I purposefully posted a lot of pictures because it is quite an experience to see how ornate and elaborate the process is. So step by step....
The stations of the Cross are pulled and pushed with figures depicting what happened to Jesus from Palm Sunday through the Resurrection.

These stations are not allowed to touch the alfombras.

Men wave incense to cleanse the air. It is a smell that is very distinct and almost overwhelming. Something I will not forget.

One of the hot coals caught on fire right in front of us. The smell was even more pungent.

The coming of the figure/replica. I am unsure what exactly to call it. It was a statue of Jesus after he was dead, unwrapped, and lying flat on his back. Very different way to see our Saviour, but still very powerful.

The line of 80 (I believe) men carrying this gigantic statue. One of my friends carried on Monday and he said that the weight was truly heavy and difficult for the 100 meters.

Look at how beautiful and detailed it was!

The procession was followed by a band that played somber music ever 50 meters or so.

Finally, this what the carpet looked like after the procession had passed.

The women followed the men in a very similar format. The women also carried a large statue of Mary and were dressed in all black. If you ever get a chance to see one of these processions, it is very worth your hour it takes to see it from start to finish. The good news from all of this is that Christ has Risen. We can honor what He did by celebrating His death on the cross, but don't forget about 3 days later...