Easter is a Christian tradition celebrated by many folks across the globe during spring, usually between March and April. According to the World Population Review, at least 154 countries celebrate Easter. This statistic, of course, focuses on countries where Easter is a government-recognized holiday or where there is a significant population observing this holiday. The week leading up to Easter Sunday is recognized as Holy Week. Holy Week is a time to recall what Christians believe happened to Jesus leading up to his death: Jesus's entering Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and the crucifixion.
In Guatemala, Semana Santa, Holy Week, is a big deal. Families and neighbors will stay up through the night making alfombras, carpets, out of flowers, sawdust, and other materials during this week. The processions will later pass over these alfombras. These alfombras often depict holy imagery. People travel from all around the world to watch these processions, with Antigua specifically attracting thousands of tourists. Giant platforms featuring biblical figures and scenes, such as Jesus on the cross, are carried by dozens of procession participants. Being a bearer of a platform is viewed as an honor.
