Holy Week Carpets: Ephemeral art that conquers the soul and the streets of Guatemala

Créditos a quien corresponda. Procesión en una de las calles de Antigua Guatemala.

Guatemala is a country where spirituality, tradition, and folk art intertwine to give life to cultural expressions unique in the world. One of the most admired and photographed is, without a doubt, the making of Holy Week carpets, an experience that not only beautifies the streets but also connects generations and amazes thousands of national and international visitors.

What are Holy Week carpets and why are they so special?

Carpets are handcrafted tapestries made on the streets using natural materials such as dyed sawdust, flowers, fruits, palm and pine leaves, and sometimes even bread or seashells. They are designed for religious processions, primarily during Holy Week, and their fleeting existence (hours or minutes before being walked on by the procession) makes them true works of spiritual art.

An ancient and colorful legacy

Although deeply linked to Catholicism, carpets in Guatemala have pre-Hispanic roots, when indigenous people decorated the path to welcome their gods. With the arrival of Christianity, the tradition evolved to pay homage to Jesus of Nazareth on his journey to Calvary.

Today, rugs are made not only in Antigua Guatemala (the most famous for this tradition), but also in communities such as Cobán, Quetzaltenango, Chichicastenango, and Guatemala City, each with its own style, symbolism, and artisanal technique.

Where to see the best rugs in Guatemala?

• Antigua Guatemala: Considered one of the best places in the world to experience Holy Week, the carpets here reach monumental proportions.

• Cobán: Ideal for those seeking a more intimate and communal experience, the rugs in Cobán combine art, nature, and local hospitality.

• Rural areas: In small villages in the highlands, you can discover carpets made by entire families, where everyone—from grandmothers to children—helps.

Créditos a quién corresponda. Procesión importante en la Cuaresma y Semana Santa.

How to live this tradition responsibly and authentically

Traveling to see the carpets isn't just an act of observation. Many visitors get involved in the process, helping paint the sawdust, watering flowers, or simply sharing bread and coffee with the families decorating the streets. It's an opportunity to connect with the local community and experience the culture beyond the superficial.

If you visit Cobán during Holy Week, consider staying in a place that values and respects local traditions.

Crédito a quien corresponda. Alfombras varias

At Hotel Casa Gaia, in addition to relaxing in a tranquil, natural setting, you'll be just minutes from the streets where the magic of the carpets comes alive.

Tips for planning your trip to Easter in Guatemala:

• Book in advance. Easter is peak season.

• If you're going to take photos, do so with respect. Carpets have a deep spiritual value.

• Walk, explore, and chat with the locals—culture lives on the streets.

• If you can, support local businesses by purchasing handicrafts or traditional products.

An experience that leaves a mark... even if the carpets don't

The Holy Week carpets in Guatemala are a piece of ephemeral art that, despite being short-lived, leave a lasting impression on the hearts of those who experience them. Come, contemplate, and participate in this celebration of faith, color, and community.

And remember: At Hotel Casa Gaia, we're waiting to be your refuge after a day filled with culture, hiking, and excitement. Discover Guatemala through the eyes of a true traveler.