Mayan Woman rushing her flowers to market before the daily processions of Semana Santa start in Antigua, Guatemala

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Young Mayan Woman sets up Vegetables in front of Butcher Shop in Mercado Central, Anitigua, Guatemala

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Volcan de Agua, at 3760m, towers over Antigua, Guatemala.
The city was the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala from 1543 through 1773, with much of its Baroque-influenced architecture and layout dating from that period. These characteristics had it designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

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Semana Santa festivities were imported into Guatemala in 1524 from Spain. The Spanish traditions have evolved to incorporate local mayan beliefs. During Easter Week there a multiple processions per day to carry the floats, or Andas, depicting the events of the last week of Jesus Christ's life. Massive andas, up to 18m long, require 50-100 bearers, or Cucuruchos. The processions last for 12-18 hours each, weaving all across the small city center, often finishing near midnight. The smell and smoke of incense, the somber sounds of the marching bands, and the prayer and penance of the cucuruchos make it a moving and unforgettable experience.

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Even more important than Christmas in Guatemala, Semana Santa commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ and is characterised by countless church services, numerous public processions and vast Andas, or floats , that can require up to 100 people to carry them through the streets. The incense purifies the air and spirit before the arrival of the sacred Anda.

The faces of the mourners are what made me select this version of this deeply moving scene. The silhouette of the volcano, and cross are also key. My memory is only missing the smell of the incense.

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