Santa en Guatemala httpkidworldcitizenorg20120406photosofguatemalanalfombrasstreetdecorationsforholyweek This week in Guatemala hundreds of adults and children are staying up all night or waking up early to work on street ID: 554931
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Semana" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
Semana Santa en GuatemalaSlide2
http://kidworldcitizen.org/2012/04/06/photos-of-guatemalan-alfombras-street-decorations-for-holy-week/This week in Guatemala, hundreds of adults and children are staying up all night or waking up early to work on street “
alfombras
,” in preparation for Holy Week processions.
These
special
alfombras
, the Spanish word for “carpets,” are elaborate street decorations made of colored sawdust, flowers or flower petals, pine needles, sand, rice, or even fruits or vegetables.Slide3Slide4
Holy Week, known in Spanish as “Semana Santa,” is the week preceding Easter. Christians around the world honor Jesus and retell the story of his death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. Jesus died on Good Friday and ascended into Heaven on Easter Sunday.
Around
55% of Guatemalans are Catholic, while another 40% are Protestant. This majority maintains traditions from Spain, while incorporating indigenous Mayan
beliefs.
Holy Week processions in Spain
began in the 1500′s as a way to educate people about the resurrection of Jesus. Participation in the events offered people a chance at repentance. Slide5
In Guatemala, the Mayan tradition of creating elaborate “carpets” (alfombras) of feathers and flowers for kings to walk upon, meshed with these religious processions to create a colorful tradition that has been part of Guatemalan culture ever since.Slide6
In general, the street space in front of your house is “your” space to create an alfombra. At times, neighbors will join together and collaborate on a longer alfombra, or join forces with artists to develop exquisitely detailed alfombras.Slide7
Many times, people will work all night under bright lights that help illuminate their art. Layers and layers of plant material are used to create the alfombras: flowers, petals, leaves, berries, pine needles, corn husks, and grasses.Slide8
Kids are invited participate with their families in this time-consuming artSlide9
Some of the alfombras extend city blocks. Traffic is blocked, and the crowds of on-lookers are respectful of the delicate designs. Notice the vibrant colors: this aserrín, sawdust, is dyed brilliant colors, sold in markets in the preceding weeks, and is commonly used in the designs. Flower petals are also popular.Slide10
Stencils are sometimes used to refine the colored sawdust.Slide11
UNAS ALFOMBRAS COMPLETASSlide12Slide13Slide14Slide15
Once the alfombras are beautifully set up and laid out, the processions begin. Large figures and statues of Jesus and Mary are carried through the city in a solemn procession as the audience reflects on the deep meaning.
The floats can weigh up to 7,000 pounds each, and require 40-140 people to carry them.Slide16Slide17
Musicians also participate in the procession, playing religious hymnsSlide18
Originally, people who wanted to do penance for their sins would walk in the procession and be publicly humiliated. Now people can choose to represent these penitentes by joining in formation.Slide19
After
all of the hours of hard work, the incredible
alfombras
are smeared by the procession. People gather what fruit and vegetables remain (especially right as the floats pass them while the food is still mostly intact), and the streets are quickly cleaned up by street crews. Although the designs do not last, the pride and honor continues and families begin to plan for next year’s
designs
.