More Processions

The processions occur every Sunday during Lent and yesterday the route through Antigua traveled very close to our apartment so we were able to see the pre-procession preparations. The woman below is using a stencil to spread colored sawdust in beautiful designs on the street:


People starting to line the curbs (HOURS early!)


Someone placed a ladder in the middle of the street to create a better picture taking vantage point!:


Some of the designs are made with real flowers:


Almost the entire street was lined with these different beautiful designs:


Some of the flower arrangements are pretty elaborate 3D affairs:


Here come the "floats" with statues from the churches, carried by faithful parishoners (the smoke is from intense incense):


The broom headed guys are supposed to be Roman Centurions (we think):


Feet of the float carriers....tromping on the flower carpets:


After the procession comes the tagalong carnival:


Really cheesey (foam) souvenirs:



More souvenirs:


And the cleanup crew:


More broom brigade:


We had a great time wandering around taking photos. Normally Guatemalans are fairly camera shy, but today they seemed to be either distracted by the excitement, or in happy moods so they were willing to be photographed. We spent the afternoon watching the flower carpet preparations which looked like they required hours of work. Then the procession comes through, lasting about 5 minutes, followed by the hawkers and souvenir sellers, and finally the garbage trucks. It's all over pretty fast considering all of the preparation required!