GUATEMALA/ANTIGUA: EASTER CELEBRATIONS

(3 Apr 1999) Spanish/Nat
Guatemala hosts some of the most traditional and beautiful Easter processions in Latin America.
For thousands of Catholics, this is a week for reflection and repentance, but also a time to enjoy the colour of the floats as they parade through the old quarters of the cities.
Guatemalans celebrate Semana Santa Holy Week by holding a series of elaborate religious processions all over the country.
Following centuries old traditions, the death and resurrection of Christ are re-enacted and celebrated by local populations.
In Guatemala City, some 65-thousand people take turns to carry the floats through the streets.
Tuesday marks the beginning of the celebrations with the procession of La Reseña Christ.
Unlike other images, this Christ leaves the church without ornaments, and it's the people that cover the float with flowers during the procession.
The colonial city of Antigua attracts thousands of visitors every year, eager to watch the processions in one of the most beautiful environments in the country.
Floats carrying statues of the Virgin Mary and Jesus are adorned with flowers and profusely elaborated.
Fully covered men march to the rhythm of religious music.
It's a curious mixture of reverence and joy for the local residents.
In this country, where 70 percent of the population is Catholic, it's also a time for reflection and to pray for the rest of the world.
A local priest in Antigua, thinks that NATO should stop the bombing in Yugoslavia during this special week.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"I think these days they should stop the bombing as they do at Christmas. All parts should stop the fighting and don't shoot and single shot so that civilians can celebrate in peace."
SUPER CAPTION: Mercedario Antonio Lopez, La Merced priest
The faithful take their children to see the different processions pass through the streets.
They want to make sure that this traditions - as much an aesthetic celebration as a religious one - are not lost.
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