Semana Santa in Antigua Guatemala: A Sacred Tradition Through the Lens of Faith and Photography
Growing up in a Catholic family, Semana Santa in Antigua was more than just a holiday for me. It was about reflection, devotion, and keeping traditions alive. The processions were serious. Incense filled the air. Colorful carpets spread across cobblestone streets. This made everything feel special. After my wife passed away in 2010, Holy Week became even more important. I turned to photography to deal with my grief. At first, it was just for me. But soon, it became my way to capture the beauty and spirit of Semana Santa.
Antigua’s Semana Santa is one of the most amazing religious celebrations. Huge floats, called andas, show scenes from the Bible, with Jesus at the center. These are carried by devoted men and women known as cucuruchos and devotas. The andas are heavy, but the weight also represents faith and sacrifice. Under them, intricate alfombras—colorful carpets made of sawdust, flowers, and pine needles—are arranged in stunning designs. These temporary works of art remind us of how life changes quickly, echoing the themes of sacrifice and devotion during Holy Week.
Photography helped me capture these special moments. My work has been shown in exhibitions in places like Rome, the Vatican, Guatemala City, and Antigua Guatemala. In 2021, I earned second place in the Foto Sacra competition. The following year, I won first place. These milestones strengthened my bond with religious photography.
Each day of Semana Santa has its own traditions. Palm Sunday starts with a reenactment of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. Each day following has processions and quiet moments. Maundy Thursday is for the visitation of seven churches in a tradition called Los Siete Sagrarios. Good Friday is the most emotional day, filled with reenactments of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. After the sorrow of Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday brings joy, celebrating the Resurrection with music and festivities.
In 2022, UNESCO recognized Holy Week in Antigua as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This helps ensure that future generations will see the devotion, artistry, and faith that make Semana Santa so special.
For me, capturing this tradition through photography isn’t just a job. It’s a way to share faith and beauty with everyone, making sure the spirit of Semana Santa continues on.
Luis F. Noriega
