The streets are dressed in colors and the hearts, full of faith, remember the importance of making the biblical words alive, especially one of the most important messages that today reminds us Manuel Estrada, representative of the Church of La Merced: “There is no greater love than the one who gives his life for his brothers”.

Holy Week represents for Guatemalans an approach to their beliefs where their hearts are wrapped in myrrh and incense. The devotees, from all over the country, gather to live the reflections that bring to our minds the biblical passages represented in the candlelight vigil and processional processions.

Jewelry, imagery, clothing and crosses have been elements that have characterized the mystical essence of the processional processions where devotees take firm steps on carpets full of meaning and art that are considered by Manuel Estrada as “an offering in the eyes of God and a work of art in the eyes of the world”.

Recently, the Holy Week has been awarded the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The reception of this has been an important and transcendental event for the Catholic community of Guatemala and for the country.

This event represents for Guatemalans the result of a tradition that has been based on faith for hundreds of years. It is our duty now to maintain the essence of this tradition and to present the faith of the Catholic religion to the world, adding to this feeling a spiritual experience beyond the known limits.