Semana Santa, or “Holy Week”, dates back to the 16th century, and is by far the most colorful and fascinating time in Antigua Guatemala. Tens of thousands of visitors come from all over the world to watch the processions and other religious festivities.

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The centerpiece of each procession is a large wooden float depicting a religious scene. The floats, which are carried through the streets of Antigua for up to eight hours, are lavishly decorated and weigh several thousand pounds.

Residents along the route of the processions create elaborate alfombras (carpets) of pine needles, flowers and colored sawdust in the street for the processions to walk over.