Asociación del Nuevo Amanecer (ANADESA): Holy Week in Santiago

HOLY WEEK IN SANTIAGO ATITLÁN

Holy Week in Santiago Atitlan begins on Saturday, April 9th.  A group of men travel to the neighboring municipality called Chicacao, bringing a variety of fruits that will be used as decorations in the streets of the municipality where the procession takes place. The celebration begins the next day and is held by the Catholic Church.  This follows the biblical tradition of  Jesus being given the triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  This day is called "Palm Sunday".

Monday is an important day for the brotherhoods.   This is the day they collect all the clothes of "Maximón", who is considered a great caretaker who is able to respond to the needs of his followers.  They take him to the lake to be washed. On Tuesday, the confraternities ask for Maximón's intercession while the clothes are drying.

Holy Wednesday is the day when Maximón is taken out of his chapel and is moved to the town's municipality.  He is accompanied by women carrying a candle and men carrying a variety of offerings to the great grandfather. He remains in the town hall for approximately 2 hours and then is returned to his chapel.  Here, on Thursday, he receives honors, visits, offerings, etc.

Also on Holy Thursday the Catholic Church performs a mass symbolizing the washing of the feet of Jesus' apostles. The apostles are represented by 10 children dressed in white tunics. 

Next, the most awaited day arrives, "Good Friday".  Early in the morning from different directions in the streets you can see people drawing. Near them there are many sacks full of sawdust dyed in different colors.  They are preparing the carpets for the procession of the buried Lord! Around noon the people gather in the church to witness the crucifixion of Jesus. At approximately 3 o'clock in the afternoon Jesus descends from the Cross with the help of some men/  He is placed in his coffin which is decorated with flowers and lights from the day before.The procession leaves the Catholic Church as men in traditional costumes carry the buried Jesus. They walk slowly to the sounds of dancing and are accompanied by a band playing sacred music. All the people follow the procession and some are able to see the creative and colorful carpets of the town.

Traditional meals in Santiago Atitlán.

Palm Sunday: Caldo de Huevo (egg soup).

Maundy Thursday: Pulique de pollo

Good Friday: Dried fish in tomato broth, lulled in salt and lemon, dried by the sun's rays.

During Holy Week: Special Holy Week Bread with organic Honey.

You should know the Easter traditions of our people, there is not enough space on a sheet of paper to write everything that happens at Easter.

ANADESA is waiting for you with open arms!