This photographic essay provides a deep exploration of the Catholic brotherhoods in Antigua, Guatemala. The photographer takes you behind the scenes of one of the most significant religious celebrations in the world, which dates back to the 1500’s when friars from Mexico and Spain founded the La Merced and San Francisco churches. The story offers a rare glimpse at Holy Week and its important rites, some of which, photographers have never been given permission to document.
A church procession enters a church at Easter time. Antigua, Guatemala.
Image #1317895. Raul Touzon/National Geographic Stock
The brotherhoods started as “cofradias” – groups of people who shared similar professions, social classes, or ethnic groups. In most cases, groups had their own patron Saint based on their professions. For instance, carpenters showed devotion towards St. Joseph and blacksmiths did the same for St. Sebastian. Presently, alliance to the brotherhoods is based on family tradition, although some of the old traits still persist such as socio-economic and ethnic factors. Thousands of people participate not only as spectators, but also as “cucuruchos”, carrying the traditional “andas” during the processions. These “andas” are floats that bear centuries-old images of Christ and the Virgin Mary. Some of them weigh in excess of 6,000 pounds and may require over 80 people to lift and carry them in procession all over Antigua. Women are not only a part of the brotherhoods, but also play a vital role in the ceremonies. They act as the caretakers of the “Virgin Mary”, called “Dolorosa” for she is mourning her Son’s death.
A float with a statue of Jesus during an Easter Week procession. Antigua, Guatemala.
Image #1317903. Raul Touzon/National Geographic Stock
There are 16 brotherhoods with the most important being La Merced, Escuela de Cristo, San Bartolome, San Felipe and San Francisco. The modern role of these organizations is to preserve the centuries-old traditions of celebrating Holy Week in Guatemala.
Easter week procession in the streets of Antigua. Antigua, Guatemala.
Image #1431411. Raul Touzon/National Geographic Stock.
To see more of Raul Touzon’s photographs of Holy Week in Antigua, click here.
Or, click here to browse other stock photographs from Holy Week.