Ruk’ux Scholarship: Holy week for Ruk’ux.

Holy Week

The origin of the Holy Week celebration comes from religious belief. During this time different activities are carried out, both religious and cultural.

This begins on Holy Monday, but the cultural activities begin on Saturday, when it is customary to see the brothers go to the coast for the fruits. They bring them to town in boxes carried by men to the sound of music On Holy Tuesday the Corozas are brought, which are flowers that have a pleasant smell and with it the main altar of the church is decorated.

On Holy Wednesday the traditional reception of Grandfather Rilaj Mam was held in the Municipal Office. This exemplifies when Judas came to the authorities to sell himself for the betrayal of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many people participate in this event, in particular, grandparents and people who have a Mayan belief. On this occasion, there was a concert of sacred music provided by the martial band of the Apla's school.

On Maundy Thursday at dawn there was the traditional run of Apostle Saint John announcing the death of Jesus the Nazarene. All these activities are part of the culture of Santiago Atitlán. People view them as a celebration, while the Catholic Church teaches us that Holy Week is a time of reflection and repentance for our sins, because it is when Jesus forgave our sins.

On Good Friday at 12 noon the Holy Offices were held. This is where the death and passion of Jesus Christ is remembered. At 3 o'clock in the afternoon the procession of the Holy Burial began, going through the main streets of our town. That day there were two processions, one of the brotherhoods that represents the tradition and culture, which ended at the church at 5:00 a.m. the next day, and the other was organized by the church, which is done for devotion and faith. This culminated at 1:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.

As far as culture and traditions are concerned, the activities ended on Good Friday. The Catholic Church continued with the Easter Vigil on Easter Saturday and concluded with the Sunday Mass. The Catholic faithful participated very happily because on that day Jesus conquered death and gave us all forgiveness for our sins.

This is how Holy Week was celebrated in our town of Santiago Atitlán.