Antigua, Guatemala
Red carpets aren’t good enough for the Semana Santa celebrations in this Unesco-listed city cradled by three volcanoes: only aromatic alfombras (carpets) made of sand, coloured sawdust, pine needles and native flora arranged in intricate patterns will do. More than half a million pilgrims descend on the city of some 46,000 for the colourful parades, which start around Lent and culminate on Easter weekend.
Of course, the carpets disappear the moment the pilgrims set foot on them, but there’s plenty more to feast your eyes on, not least the purple-robed penitents shouldering andas (floats) of artisan-crafted religious sculptures that weigh up to several tonnes to the sombre beat of the marching band.
On Good Friday, black crepe paper is strung through the streets of pastelhued Spanish baroque-style buildings and black-clad mourners burn incense, pray, weep and perform penitence as a man bearing a crucifix leads a procession to the church. The mood changes dramatically on Easter Sunday with a fiesta with fireworks celebrating the Resurrection.
New Orleans, US
New Orleans knows how to party, so it’s no surprise that it hosts three parades on Easter Sunday. The Historic French Quarter Parade kicks off at 9.45am outside Antoine’s Restaurant and sees women competing for the coveted titles of ‘‘best Easter bonnet’’, ‘‘best Easter basket’’ and ‘‘best overall Easter attire’’ pass the French, Spanish, American and Creole-inspired buildings in horse-drawn carriages and classic convertibles. The parade makes a pitstop at St Louis Cathedral for morning mass before continuing to Jackson Square, where the women show off their finery. Lucky kids score stuffed Easter bunnies and other treats.
Legendary French Quarter club owner and entertainer Chris Owens has a namesake parade through the district from about 1pm. Now in her mid-80s, she still sports a tailor-made, tight-fitting outfit each year and typically treats parade goers to a performance at her Bourbon Street club.
The Gay Easter Parade rounds off the day with a rainbow-coloured procession past the quarter’s best LGBT haunts.
Expect tough-looking bikers in leathers and Easter bonnets. Brunch is a huge deal on Easter Sunday: seize the opportunity to sample such local delicious as crawfish benedict, Creole turtle soup and alligator sausage gumbo.