Creating Holy Week flower carpets in Guatemala: a labor of love that takes hours to make and seconds to destroy

In the colonial city of Antigua, Guatemala, residents are gearing up for the Holy Week processions with elaborate carpets made of colored sawdust. Luis Álvarez, a devout Catholic, has been creating these carpets for over 30 years, considering them a moment of thanksgiving for the blessings received throughout the year.

The tradition of creating these intricate carpets, spanning 115 feet in length, involves the participation of thousands of residents who see it as a way to connect with God, their families, and the community. The processions, featuring floats carrying sacred images, are a laborious but unmissable tradition for many in Antigua.

The brotherhood of Jesús Nazareno de La Merced, one of the oldest in Guatemala, organizes the processions, with thousands of cucuruchos taking turns to carry the floats. The cancellation of processions during the pandemic led to a surge in participants this year, eager to show their devotion and gratitude.

For Ivan Lemus, creating a carpet is a dream come true, a way to offer blessings as the procession passes by. Despite the challenges of overnight work and potential destruction, residents like Lemus and Álvarez continue to uphold this tradition with dedication and faith.

As Antigua faces changes due to tourism, the Holy Week traditions serve as a reminder of the community’s roots and values. The carpets, made with love and devotion, symbolize a connection to the divine and a sense of unity among the residents of Antigua.