Semana Santa (Easter Holy week)

During the whole week of Easter there are multiple processionals that go through the streets of Comayagua.

The first procession was a representation of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem. The procession was held on Palm Sunday so everyone carried palms with red flowers in them. Before Jesus began his journey the cathedral a priest blessed everyones palms with holy water. As you can see in the photos Jesus rode a donkey through town and everyone followed, the local band marched and played music, it was a very upbeat happy procession.

The Last Supper

On April 1st each church had a nativity arranged to represent Jesus’ glory. We went around to each church to view them. Later that evening everyone gathered around the main cathedral to watch a reenactment of the last supper.

The Arrest of Christ

The next procession took place the same night we made the carpets. We waited until about 11pm for this procession to pass because it passed along the same street we were laying our carpets. This procession was very somber and sad because Jesus was tied up and being led through the city. The band played sad music and there were men dragging and dropping chains on the pavement, it was very chilling. We were told that many of the people who help with carrying the heavy chains and floats volunteer to remind them of their own sins and sometimes for the purpose of self punishment.

The Crucification of Jesus

This procession was of the crucifixion of Jesus and was also the one that would destroy all the carpets that were created the night before. This procession took about four hours to pass through the streets. This procession took so long because there were stations set up (mini reenactments of the crucifixion) where blessings were given and sections of the Bible were read. After the readings and blessings the procession would pass over the carpets.

The Burial of Christ

The next procession was the burial of Christ. We showed up on time in hopes of a quick procession but decided to call it an early night because it began to rain, the procession was delayed and we were so exhausted and sunburned from waiting for the last procession. We dont have proof that Jesus was put in his tomb safely, but rest assured, he was resurrected in the next procession!

The Resurrection of Christ

The resurrection was a very lively upbeat performance, the Angels and Saints ran back and forth letting Mother Mary and Mary Magdalene know that Jesus lives. Eventually, each of them arrived at the main cathedral where they were reunited with Jesus.

The entire week was an amazing experience and if you plan on visiting Honduras, do it during Easter week!