Here in El Salvador, Semana Santa (Holy Week) coincides with a weeklong break from school. We had a great time with the kids waking up a little later, doing Easter activities, and leaving the house for special outings! On Good Friday, as in past years, we decided to participate in the Central American tradition of making Easter alfombras or rugs. Before making our own alfombras, we walked into Los Planes de Renderos to admire the handiwork of more experienced rug makers.
Alfombras and the processions that precede and follow them are a huge tradition in the Central American Catholic church. One of the biggest displays can be found in Antigua, Guatemala. The alfombras we saw in Los Planes were made of colored salt and sawdust. The images they depicted mainly featured Easter scenes and Bible verses.
It was interesting to watch the different methods used to create the alfombras. Some people sifted the dust and sprinkled it onto the street. Others used rulers and wood barriers to make precise, sharp lines. One alfombra was the recreation of a piece of artwork. Some were made of salt and others of sawdust; the colors were varied and vibrant.
After seeing the alfombras, we walked home to create our own. Earlier in the day, we had used dye to color salt. Before making the alfombras, everyone drew out a plan with sidewalk chalk. Then it was time to fill in between the lines. The kids really made an effort to create a beautiful piece of artwork and the adults joined in too.
When we finished, everyone stepped back to admire their work. The little ones were especially proud of the job they did! We hope your Holy Week and Easter were as blessed as ours. He is risen!
