We returned home from Guatemala more than a week ago and already it feels like a dream. Before heading to the capital, we spent one night in Antigua, and a procession from the church in Jocotenango passed by our hotel. Members of our group made a pine needle carpet covered with flowers: the purple-clad pilgrims walk around it, leaving it to the carriers of the “anda” or platform to walk through and over, disrupting the design. (I’ve been told this symbolizes the transience of life on earth.) Finally, musicians. An essential part of the solemn processions, here posing to smile for me.
Archive for March, 2018
Antigua in Spring
Wednesday, March 21st, 2018San Lucas Toliman
Wednesday, March 21st, 2018Our recent trip to Guatemala included my first time in San Lucas Toliman, tucked away on the shores of Lake Atitlan. We visited a weaver, the Catholic church, and the local house of worship dedicated to San Simon, also known as Maximon. On the drive back to Antigua, we took the southwestern route past Escuintla, with fields for miles of rubber trees and sugar cane.
Santiago Atitlan
Saturday, March 3rd, 2018After a few days in Nebaj, we drove to Lake Atitlan.
Yesterday in Santiago, we saw a Friday procession for Lent. My photos here show crosses for those killed during Guatemala’s armed conflict; the procession; and Catholic priest Stanley Rother, born in Oklahoma and martyred in his Santiago parish, beatified and soon to be Guatemala’s second saint.
One of these years I’ll figure out how to upload photos onto this site so they make sense. Until then, please excuse the jumble! ~