From 20th-26th March 2016, Central America will come alive with colourful processions and festivities in celebration of the 'Semana Santa', or Easter week, the most important religious holiday of the year. Catholicism is the predominant religion in Central America however each country is upheld by its own indigenous traditions that are kept alive throughout the holiday.

'Semana Santa' in Antigua Guatemala

The colonial city of Antigua Guatemala in Guatemala hosts the most impressive 'Semana Santa' celebrations in the whole of Central America. The festivities held in the city are a reflection of the religious fervour brought from Spain 500 years ago, with mile long processions bearing the image of Jesus and winding their way through the streets followed by men adorning traditional purple robes.

In the run up to Easter locals and tourists come together to make 'Alfombras', carpets made from flowers and colourful sawdust, which are then used to decorate the streets of the city. Despite the Easter celebrations in Antigua Guatemala bearing similarities to those held in Spain, Guatemala's festivities are overshadowed by Mayan influences, with many of the decorations bearing Mayan symbols.