Travel is education. Travel is also connection.

Over the past two weeks, our women's tour in Guatemala had the incredible opportunity to experience both—learning and connection—while immersing ourselves in the rich cultural traditions of Lent in Antigua.

Antigua, Guatemala is a beautifully preserved Spanish-colonial city that has observed Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the 40 days of Lent for over 500 years. Although these traditions were originally introduced by the Spanish through Catholicism, they have since been embraced by the indigenous Mayan communities. Over time, the Mayan people have woven their own customs and expressions into the celebration, creating a unique cultural fusion.

Our local guide, Sergio, helped us understand some key elements of these observances:

Alfombras: Intricately designed street carpets made from colored sawdust, plants, fruits, and vegetables.

Andas: Large, float-like structures carried through the streets. Each church has its own andas, depicting scenes from the final week of Christ’s life. These heavy floats often require 80 or more people to carry them.

Cucuruchos: The individuals dressed in purple robes who carry the andas during the processions.

Throughout the season of Lent, the city is draped in purple. On Good Friday at 3:00 p.m., all the purple fabric is replaced with black to symbolize Christ’s death. Then, on Easter Sunday morning, the black is replaced with white to celebrate the resurrection.

We learned so much—our minds filled with new sights, sounds, and experiences unlike anything we'd encountered before. For many in our group, witnessing their first procession was a standout moment, a highlight of the entire journey.

But something else just as magical was happening alongside the visual spectacle: meaningful connections with local people, right in the heart of it all. Each time we paused to learn, we also had the chance to connect—with families creating alfombras, individuals preparing to carry the andas, or those simply waiting to see a loved one pass by. Everywhere we went, we were met with warmth and hospitality.

One moment that especially stood out was as we waited for the San Bartolomé procession. The distant beat of drums and blare of trumpets grew louder as the crowd thickened with anticipation. Standing beside us was a family—mom, grandma, and grandpa—eagerly awaiting the procession. The husband, dressed as a cucurucho, would soon be passing by on our side of the street. But what made it even more touching was their eight-year-old daughter, dressed in white, who would walk beside him holding his hand. This was a significant moment for their family, and the fact that they wanted to share it with us made it feel even more special. We had the opportunity to chat, ask questions, and share in their anticipation and joy.

It’s moments like these that remind us: travel is about learning—but it’s the human connections that give those lessons meaning.

If you're interested in experiencing this for yourself, check the Holy Week dates in the future. Antigua festivities begin on the first Sunday of Lent and continue every Sunday until Easter. The San Bartolomé procession takes place two Sundays before Easter. Palm Sunday is also a special time to be in Antigua as the procession from La Merced Church makes its way around the city of Antigua. 

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