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Thursday, April 16, 2009
If You Wanted To Visit Guatamala During Semana Santa...
A real crowd pleaser
Antigua's Semana Santa processions are not for those who dislike crowds. The city's tiny streets are crammed with visitors trying to get a good view of the procession. Incense is so heavy it becomes a smoky, gray wall. Traffic is gridlocked and parking lots are jammed. Hotels jack up their prices, and many require minimum stays of four days or more. But for the hardy, Semana Santa is a spectacle. The tradition, which originated in Spain, is celebrated in cities throughout Guatemala. But no place else does it with the passion and devotion of the Antiguans.
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Where to eat
Popular La Fonda Calle Real has three Old Town locations and serves Guatemalan favorites, with flavorful sauces over chicken, beef and pork. Entrees from $7-$15. 3a Calle Poniente, No. 7, Antigua; 011-502-7832-0507, http://www.lafondacallereal.com.
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Where to stay
For Holy Week visits, make plans by December to ensure a choice of hotels. Mesón de María, a small, year-old boutique hotel in Old Town, is well located and handsomely decorated with typical Guatemalan furnishings. It has a rooftop solarium. Doubles from $75; 3a Calle Poniente, No. 8, Antigua; 011-502-783-26069, http://www.hotelmesondemaria.com. Another Old Town favorite is Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, which has attractively landscaped grounds, an excellent restaurant, a museum and a pool. Doubles from $115. 3a Calle Oriente No. 28 A, Antigua; 011-502-7820-1222, http://www.casasantodomingo.com.gt. Guatemalan hotel bills include a 22% tax.
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Getting there
From LAX, Lacsa and United airlines fly nonstop to Guatemala City. Mexicana offers direct flights (stop, no change of planes). American, Continental and Mexicana offer connecting flights (change of planes). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $345.
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http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-guatemala9apr09
Antigua's Semana Santa processions are not for those who dislike crowds. The city's tiny streets are crammed with visitors trying to get a good view of the procession. Incense is so heavy it becomes a smoky, gray wall. Traffic is gridlocked and parking lots are jammed. Hotels jack up their prices, and many require minimum stays of four days or more. But for the hardy, Semana Santa is a spectacle. The tradition, which originated in Spain, is celebrated in cities throughout Guatemala. But no place else does it with the passion and devotion of the Antiguans.
*
Where to eat
Popular La Fonda Calle Real has three Old Town locations and serves Guatemalan favorites, with flavorful sauces over chicken, beef and pork. Entrees from $7-$15. 3a Calle Poniente, No. 7, Antigua; 011-502-7832-0507, http://www.lafondacallereal.com.
*
Where to stay
For Holy Week visits, make plans by December to ensure a choice of hotels. Mesón de María, a small, year-old boutique hotel in Old Town, is well located and handsomely decorated with typical Guatemalan furnishings. It has a rooftop solarium. Doubles from $75; 3a Calle Poniente, No. 8, Antigua; 011-502-783-26069, http://www.hotelmesondemaria.com. Another Old Town favorite is Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, which has attractively landscaped grounds, an excellent restaurant, a museum and a pool. Doubles from $115. 3a Calle Oriente No. 28 A, Antigua; 011-502-7820-1222, http://www.casasantodomingo.com.gt. Guatemalan hotel bills include a 22% tax.
*
Getting there
From LAX, Lacsa and United airlines fly nonstop to Guatemala City. Mexicana offers direct flights (stop, no change of planes). American, Continental and Mexicana offer connecting flights (change of planes). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $345.
*
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-tr-guatemala9apr09
The Costumes of Semana Santa
The skill and expertise behind the parades rest with the religious fraternities and brotherhoods. They have the responsibility of maintaining the statues as well as coordinating the penitents and musicians. Sometimes up to two thousand members of a brotherhood take part, some carry candles, rods or banners depending on their level of seniority. The most senior is the president who carries a golden rod.
The "costaleros" who carry the weight of the floats and their sculptured representations of the biblical scene are directed by the overseer or head of the group who ensure that the float is carried with maximum seriousness, grace and tradition. To be able to survive the long hours and distance carrying the heavy "thrones" the costaleros have a cushion, known as the costal, which prevents the direct contact of the wood rubbing against the skin. The thrones are followed by "nazarenos" dressed in tunics, hoods and masks and women dressed in traditional costume.
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/fiestas/semana-santa.asp
The "costaleros" who carry the weight of the floats and their sculptured representations of the biblical scene are directed by the overseer or head of the group who ensure that the float is carried with maximum seriousness, grace and tradition. To be able to survive the long hours and distance carrying the heavy "thrones" the costaleros have a cushion, known as the costal, which prevents the direct contact of the wood rubbing against the skin. The thrones are followed by "nazarenos" dressed in tunics, hoods and masks and women dressed in traditional costume.
http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/fiestas/semana-santa.asp
More Semana Santa
“Semana Santa,” or Holy Week, is when Spain commemorates Jesus’ death and resurrection. I still remember when, in the early sixties, all cinemas, cafeterias, stores, etc. were closed on Holy Thursday and Holy Friday. Even driving a car downtown was prohibited during these two days. Now, the situation has dramatically changed and you will have the opportunity to experience the holidays yourself. Semana Santa is one of the major events in Spain that attracts many foreign visitors to watch the parades.
Beginning March 20, Palm Sunday, this special week is marked by the procession of the image of Christ on the road to Jerusalem. This procession is also called “La Borriquita,” the little female donkey, because the float portrays Jesus riding on the donkey. Children wearing white gowns with the Saint James Cross and carrying palms escort the procession. During the entire week thousands of people gather in the streets of almost every town in Spain, especially during late evening and night.
Every procession has a scheduled itinerary that must be followed. When two processions meet in an intersection, the modern one has to yield to the old one. This itinerary is called “Carrera Oficial.” The brothers and penitents who participate by escorting the floats wear the typical costume that covers them from head to toe. The stiff pointy hood is the most characteristic part of their costume. Each penitent also carries a large thick candle called “Cirio.”
Some of the brotherhoods, “hermandades,” date back to the Middle Ages and originate from medieval guilds that consisted of workers such as carpenters, sailors or traders. The majority of the “hermandades” have two floats, one dedicated to Jesus and another dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The last day of Semana Santa is Easter, Resurrection Sunday. This day marks the beginning of the spring fairs and the bullfighting season.
http://rotacrony.com/Semana_Santa_Rota.htm
Beginning March 20, Palm Sunday, this special week is marked by the procession of the image of Christ on the road to Jerusalem. This procession is also called “La Borriquita,” the little female donkey, because the float portrays Jesus riding on the donkey. Children wearing white gowns with the Saint James Cross and carrying palms escort the procession. During the entire week thousands of people gather in the streets of almost every town in Spain, especially during late evening and night.
Every procession has a scheduled itinerary that must be followed. When two processions meet in an intersection, the modern one has to yield to the old one. This itinerary is called “Carrera Oficial.” The brothers and penitents who participate by escorting the floats wear the typical costume that covers them from head to toe. The stiff pointy hood is the most characteristic part of their costume. Each penitent also carries a large thick candle called “Cirio.”
Some of the brotherhoods, “hermandades,” date back to the Middle Ages and originate from medieval guilds that consisted of workers such as carpenters, sailors or traders. The majority of the “hermandades” have two floats, one dedicated to Jesus and another dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
The last day of Semana Santa is Easter, Resurrection Sunday. This day marks the beginning of the spring fairs and the bullfighting season.
http://rotacrony.com/Semana_Santa_Rota.htm
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Personal Semana Santa Experience in Guatamala
The Itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday 1 week before Easter):Arrive in Guatemala City. Meeting at the airport and transfer to Antigua Guatemala, which is a scenic drive of 45 minutes. Overnight in Radisson Villa Antigua.
Day 2:After breakfast, we drive high into green mountains to the indian town of Chichicastenago. Enjoy the largest open-air market in Central America, where you will find handicrafts at incredibly low prices (use your best bargaining skills!). In the afternoon, drive to Panajachel, situated on glorious Lake Atitlan. Hotel Atitlan (B).
Day 3:Lake Atitlan has been described as the most beautiful lake in the world. It is certainly unique and spectacular, surrounded by three impressive volcanoes. We travel by launch across the calm waters to visit the fascinating lakeside village of Santiago. Afternoon at leisure. Hotel Atitlan (B L)
Day 4:In the afternoon, we drive deeper into the Maya highlands, past Alaska, the highest point on the Interamerican Highway, to the capital of the indigenous mountain communities, Quetzaltenango, or Xelahu in the ancient Maya tongue. Overnight at the simple but charming Pension Bonifaz, located right on the principal Plaza (B).
Day 5:Visit the surrounding villages, including Zunil, famous for its extremely colourful textiles. Drop in on the busy market at Almolonga, the market garden of Guatemala and also visit the beautiful hot springs of Fuentes Georginas, in the Pacific cloud forest on the side of Zunil Volcano. In the afternoon, transfer back to Antigua Guatemala. Overnight Radisson Villa Antigua (B).
Day 6:Antigua is a true colonial gem, and this morning we visit the principal sights on foot with a local historian, who will include centuries old churches, convents and plazas. Many buildings have been beautifully restored; others remain as they were after the devastating earthquakes of 1773 and 1976. In the afternoon, a guided tour of local villages and countryside around Antigua. Overnight Radisson Villa Antigua (B)
Day 7:Today is the principal day of processions. Our guide accompanies us as we stroll the streets of Antigua appreciating the wonderfully artistic street carpets, and following the processions as they wind through the quaint cobblestone streets of this ancient colonial city. Overnight in Radisson Villa Antigua (B).
Day 8:Full-day visit to Guatemala City. Guatemala City is the largest city in Central America. A 45-minute scenic drive brings us to the historic centre, where we visit the Cathedral and imposing National Palace, both located on the main square. Afterwards, we visit the remarkable Relief Map, built in 1905, it was a wonder of its day, and still impresses visitors. Lunch on your own in the Zona Viva, then a brief visit to the National Archaeological Museum (admission fee of about US$ 5.00 not included) or the lovely artisans market next door (your choice). Return to Antigua by mid-afternoon (B).
Day 9:Transfers to the International Airport for departure flights or continuation of jour journey.
http://www.condorjourneys-adventures.com/guatemala_santa.asp
Day 1 (Saturday 1 week before Easter):Arrive in Guatemala City. Meeting at the airport and transfer to Antigua Guatemala, which is a scenic drive of 45 minutes. Overnight in Radisson Villa Antigua.
Day 2:After breakfast, we drive high into green mountains to the indian town of Chichicastenago. Enjoy the largest open-air market in Central America, where you will find handicrafts at incredibly low prices (use your best bargaining skills!). In the afternoon, drive to Panajachel, situated on glorious Lake Atitlan. Hotel Atitlan (B).
Day 3:Lake Atitlan has been described as the most beautiful lake in the world. It is certainly unique and spectacular, surrounded by three impressive volcanoes. We travel by launch across the calm waters to visit the fascinating lakeside village of Santiago. Afternoon at leisure. Hotel Atitlan (B L)
Day 4:In the afternoon, we drive deeper into the Maya highlands, past Alaska, the highest point on the Interamerican Highway, to the capital of the indigenous mountain communities, Quetzaltenango, or Xelahu in the ancient Maya tongue. Overnight at the simple but charming Pension Bonifaz, located right on the principal Plaza (B).
Day 5:Visit the surrounding villages, including Zunil, famous for its extremely colourful textiles. Drop in on the busy market at Almolonga, the market garden of Guatemala and also visit the beautiful hot springs of Fuentes Georginas, in the Pacific cloud forest on the side of Zunil Volcano. In the afternoon, transfer back to Antigua Guatemala. Overnight Radisson Villa Antigua (B).
Day 6:Antigua is a true colonial gem, and this morning we visit the principal sights on foot with a local historian, who will include centuries old churches, convents and plazas. Many buildings have been beautifully restored; others remain as they were after the devastating earthquakes of 1773 and 1976. In the afternoon, a guided tour of local villages and countryside around Antigua. Overnight Radisson Villa Antigua (B)
Day 7:Today is the principal day of processions. Our guide accompanies us as we stroll the streets of Antigua appreciating the wonderfully artistic street carpets, and following the processions as they wind through the quaint cobblestone streets of this ancient colonial city. Overnight in Radisson Villa Antigua (B).
Day 8:Full-day visit to Guatemala City. Guatemala City is the largest city in Central America. A 45-minute scenic drive brings us to the historic centre, where we visit the Cathedral and imposing National Palace, both located on the main square. Afterwards, we visit the remarkable Relief Map, built in 1905, it was a wonder of its day, and still impresses visitors. Lunch on your own in the Zona Viva, then a brief visit to the National Archaeological Museum (admission fee of about US$ 5.00 not included) or the lovely artisans market next door (your choice). Return to Antigua by mid-afternoon (B).
Day 9:Transfers to the International Airport for departure flights or continuation of jour journey.
http://www.condorjourneys-adventures.com/guatemala_santa.asp
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Events of Semana Santa
Events
Each community celebrates the holiday with it's own regional flavor, however, popular with the whole country is the breaking of cascarones, colored egg shells filled with confetti, over friends and family. Churches will be filled with those attending Mass on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and families will take this opportunity to be together.
The most moving event of Semana Santa is the reenactment of the Passion of Christ, or the Passion Play. The event's in the mentioned cities are sponsored by religious or community groups, and can include large processions of penitents, sometimes on their knees, a portrayal of the last supper and the crucifixion itself.
In many cities, important religious images from the church will be displayed, traditional altars are decorated at home and in the streets, and flower decorations and palm crosses will be found everywhere. The central colonial cities seem to celebrate this holiday with the most reverence and tradition, and if you wish to see the beauty of traditional Mexico, Semana Santa would be well worth seeing for yourself.
http://www.mexonline.com/semana.htm
Each community celebrates the holiday with it's own regional flavor, however, popular with the whole country is the breaking of cascarones, colored egg shells filled with confetti, over friends and family. Churches will be filled with those attending Mass on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and families will take this opportunity to be together.
The most moving event of Semana Santa is the reenactment of the Passion of Christ, or the Passion Play. The event's in the mentioned cities are sponsored by religious or community groups, and can include large processions of penitents, sometimes on their knees, a portrayal of the last supper and the crucifixion itself.
In many cities, important religious images from the church will be displayed, traditional altars are decorated at home and in the streets, and flower decorations and palm crosses will be found everywhere. The central colonial cities seem to celebrate this holiday with the most reverence and tradition, and if you wish to see the beauty of traditional Mexico, Semana Santa would be well worth seeing for yourself.
http://www.mexonline.com/semana.htm
Semana Santa2
Palm Sunday begins with mass at several churches, blessing of the palms at Santa Bárbara, then a procession, remembering Christ's journey into Jerusalem.
Monday through Thursday of Semana Santa are made up with religious processions, retreats, sermons and other celebratory events. On Thursday, the Last Supper is reenacted.
Then, on Good Friday the crucifixion is held along with the masses and solemn rites.
Saturday is filled with prayers and rites, processions and religious meetings.
Easter Sunday is a joyous day with masses, eucharistic rites and processions.
http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/culfiestas/a/SemSantaColVen.htm
Monday through Thursday of Semana Santa are made up with religious processions, retreats, sermons and other celebratory events. On Thursday, the Last Supper is reenacted.
Then, on Good Friday the crucifixion is held along with the masses and solemn rites.
Saturday is filled with prayers and rites, processions and religious meetings.
Easter Sunday is a joyous day with masses, eucharistic rites and processions.
http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/culfiestas/a/SemSantaColVen.htm
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