Good Friday, Carpets Tour Antigua Guatemala

Holy Week in Antigua Guatemala is an unique festivity in Guatemala that commemorates the passion and death of Christ through the processions carried out by the fraternities of the parishes of the city. Surrounded by history, culture and unique architecture, enjoy with us an amazing tour in Antigua Guatemala.

Antigua is renowned for its elaborate and colorful festivities during Holy Week. On Holy Friday, residents rise up early to begin the elaboration of detailed street “carpets” of flowers, pine needles and dyed sawdust. Each design is unique and fleeting, as the carpet disappears as soon as a procession passes through.

You will be picked up early in our meeting point in Antigua to begin a soft walking tour in this colonial city surrounded by the Holy Week colors and festivities.

During our walking through Antigua we will visit the Central Park, located at the heart of the city, surrounded by important buildings with their colonial architecture, such as the Palace of the Generals Captain, the City Hall, and the San José Cathedral which has an elaborate baroque facade, typical of antique churches. We also find here the beautiful “Las Sirenas” fountain or Mermaids fountain. After this, we will walk to the Arch of Santa Catalina, a landmark of the city that was built in 1609.

We will have time to recover energy.

Continuing our experience we will have the opportunity to be involved in the elaboration of one “alfombra” or carpet created from colored sawdust and flowers. This is something you can only experience during Holy Week in Antigua Guatemala. Through our tour, we will be able to see the many beautiful sawdust carpets up close. At some point during our walk, we will have time to appreciate the processions, where the palm-decorated “Anda” (special float) of Christ is carried and moved along the streets in a sombre re-enactment of his crucifixion. An honor passed down from generation to generation, the men involved in the processions known as “Cucuruchos” wear purple cloaks and hold burning incense as they walk to honor this sacred tradition. You will want to take photographs of this moment!

End of our tour.