April 14th
We left at 5:30 am to go to Antigua for the big tourist oriented Easter processions. We took lots of pictures of the carpets as the people were making them. They took an incredible amount of time and talent to make.
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| This one would be the most difficult to carry the thrones over in my opinion. |
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| Cabbages, onions, cauliflower, radishes, celery--you name it. |
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| They even used corn on the cob and beets. |
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| The colors and designs are lovely. They are built right down the center of streets all over Antigua along the procession route. |
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| Flowers, sawdust, pine needles and fruits and vegetable. Anything natural. |
It was like being at a bazaar with vendors and crowds of people. The procession included horses and Roman soldiers, Pontius Pilate, Barabbas and every other character involved in the Crucifixion of Christ.
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| Crowds and vendors selling balls, hats, umbrellas and various souvenirs. |
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| Roman Soldiers and priests. |
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| Roman soldiers marched at the sides of the route to keep the spectators back. |
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| Thrones were carried by 80 people who pay for the honor and privilege of carrying it. |
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| Pilate and Herod talking. Barabbas is on the far side of the street. |
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| Priests lining the procession route |
The huge thrones were incredible to watch go round corners. Men with tall staves lifted electric wires for them to pass under.
We walked around town looking at more carpets along different routes enjoying the talents of these people. Some of the alfrombras were a memorial to loved ones.
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| The beautiful carpet after the procession has passed over it. |
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| Surrounded by mangoes. |
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| Incredible artistry. |
All in all it was an exciting day. One of the curiosities we see on a daily basis is the young ladies in traditional dress with high heels. They just don't seem to go together.
The people were delightful and the carpets and procession were a wonder. So glad we got to go. Apparently this day was all about the death of Christ and Sunday they have more processions celebrating the resurrection. Hope you enjoyed the pictures.
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