Easter Carpets

There are strong religious traditions here in Honduras, but no time seems more important to the locals then Semana Santa, which is Easter week. It is the time of the year that everyone has vacation, and everyone with any money flocks to the beach. Don't plan on getting a reservation any time soon. If you can't go to the beach, you go to water: lakes, pools, rivers, natural springs on the side of the highway, anything, as long as it is water.


The beginning of the religious celebration is the creation of the carpets on Thursday night. Well after dark, they close off the main street of a given town (for me Copan Ruins)and designated families go out with their colored sawdust, paper forms, and a lot of good cheer. They turn the dirt road into a colorful display of art. These are on display until Sunday when the procession tromps over them.

Good Friday, the ceremonies also take to the streets, with sermons, song, and a procession led by a puppet Jesus on the cross. Don't plan on driving anywhere as they block the streets for hours. For me, having my car blocked in, and the main road to Copan being occupied, it turned into a good time to eat breakfast and check e-mail. Finally, Sunday the processions go over the colored carpets.

As everyone in the country goes on vacation, it is slightly harder to travel except in the well trod tourist path, and even there everything except the hotels will be closed on Friday and Sunday. And don't plan on buying alochol either. Ahhhh, vacation.