During festive "Semana Santa" (Saints week) in Antigua, Guatemala, day and night processions of people draped in robes, carry massive coffins with effigies of the crucified Jesus Christ. The floats weigh up to 7,000 pounds with 50-100 curcuruchas or carriers bearing their weight. Funeral marching bands follow the floats, with slow beating drums, cymbals and deep-throated tubas. Thick incense creates a haunting, ghost-like fog. Crowds hush as the solemn procession passes by.... more »
During festive "Semana Santa" (Saints week) in Antigua, Guatemala, day and night processions of people draped in robes, carry massive coffins with effigies of the crucified Jesus Christ. The floats weigh up to 7,000 pounds with 50-100 curcuruchas or carriers bearing their weight. Funeral marching bands follow the floats, with slow beating drums, cymbals and deep-throated tubas. Thick incense creates a haunting, ghost-like fog. Crowds hush as the solemn procession passes by. Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site. « less