Semana Santa

Our journey into the desert is almost over, and Easter is on the horizon; like the dawn, we await the Resurrection of Jesus with great anticipation. But before the sun could rise, it must set. And the world must be enveloped in darkness. In the darkness of night, all throughout the world, the faithful with gather to light candles and accompany our Lord & His most sorrowful Mother through their bitter passions.


In Spain and in other Catholic (or "Catholic") countries, the faithful gather at their churches to carry large floats with life-size statues of Jesus, Pilate, the Soldiers, Judas, Our Lady, and other characters of the Passion through the streets and alleys of the city. These floats and statues can weigh several hundred pounds.

Accompanying these processions or pasos are a band and penitants who sometimes wear purple cloaks or white outfits with pointy hats that resemble the uniform of the KKK.

In the paso in Sevilla (Seville) in Spain, you will see the famous statute of La Macarena as seen on this post. This beautiful statue of our Blessed Mother weeping is a favorite of bull fighters who entrust themselves to her protection.

On my Things-To-Do-Before-I-Die List is to go to the Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions in Guatemala where the native Mayans make these elaborate carpets (or alfombras) out of flower petals and bark for the floats to pass over.

Also on this list is to attend the paso in Sevilla as shown here: