Semana Santa in Antigua: what it is
Semana Santa is Holy Week, the days before Easter. In Guatemala it is a national tradition with processions, vigils, funeral marches, seasonal foods, carpets and altars. UNESCO added Semana Santa in Guatemala to its list of intangible cultural heritage in 2022. That is a different recognition from Antigua's status as a World Heritage city, which dates from 1979.
In Antigua, the streets along the procession routes are covered with alfombras. These are carpets made of dyed sawdust, flowers and other traditional materials. They are laid out for the processions and do not stay on the street all year. If you want to see them, you have to be in town during Holy Week.
Semana Santa 2027: key dates
Easter Sunday is March 28, 2027. The other days follow from it.
| Day | Date in 2027 |
|---|---|
| Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) | March 21 |
| Holy Thursday (Jueves Santo) | March 25 |
| Good Friday (Viernes Santo) | March 26 |
| Holy Saturday (Sábado Santo) | March 27 |
| Easter Sunday (Domingo de Resurrección) | March 28 |
These dates come from the church calendar. They do not tell you when and where each procession walks. Routes and times are set locally and published closer to the date, so check the current program before you plan your days. Holy Week in March also falls in the dry season, which runs from November to April, though no single day is guaranteed to be dry.
Tours and day trips from Antigua
Guided walks, coffee tours and excursions from Antigua, with live prices and availability.
Planning a visit during Holy Week
Six points to settle before you book.
Book your room early
Reserve accommodation and transfers well before March 2027. Rates are set by each place, so compare the total price for your exact dates. Our where to stay guide explains the areas.
Get the program when it is out
Procession routes, start times and street closures for 2027 are announced locally. Until then, treat any route you read as a guess. Check the current program a few days before each procession.
Expect crowds and closed streets
Streets on the routes are used by the processions and carpets, so your usual walking route may change from hour to hour. Allow extra time to cross town and agree a clear meeting point with your group.
Watch from the side
These are religious events. Stay off the carpets, keep clear of the people carrying the floats, and follow instructions from organizers and police. Ask before you photograph individuals, and do not photograph children.
Keep valuables close
Crowds call for care. The German Foreign Office names Antigua among places with a robbery risk. Carry little and keep your phone and wallet where you can feel them. Our safety guide has more habits.
Plan your arrival
Add time to your arrival day. Guatemala City to Antigua explains the shuttle, private car, Uber and bus options from the airport.
Seeing the tradition outside Holy Week
You cannot see the carpets and processions on other dates, but you can still learn about the tradition. The Museo de la Semana Santa is one of the monuments run by CNPAG, the council that protects Antigua, and it is open to visitors. Foreign visitors pay Q40 (2026 rate), and the opening hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. The sites are closed on January 1, November 1, December 24, 25 and 31.
The same visitor rules apply as at the other monuments in this group. No alcohol, no pets and no weapons. A photo session inside a monument has a separate fee of Q1,000, which is meant for organized shoots and not for your holiday snaps. Antigua's churches and ruins, such as those on our list of 15 things to do, also give you the setting in which the processions pass.
More from Antigua
Ideas for the days around the processions.
Semana Santa in Antigua: frequently asked questions
When is Semana Santa in 2027?
Easter Sunday is March 28, 2027. Palm Sunday is March 21, Holy Thursday March 25, Good Friday March 26 and Holy Saturday March 27. Holy Week therefore runs from March 21 to March 28.
What are alfombras?
Alfombras are carpets laid on the streets along the procession routes. In Antigua they are made of dyed sawdust, flowers and other traditional materials. They belong to the processions, so do not expect to find them on the streets all year.
Are the procession routes and times for 2027 already set?
Routes and times are set locally and announced closer to the date. Check the current program shortly before you travel, and again for each day you plan to watch.
Is Semana Santa the same as World Heritage?
No. Antigua has been a UNESCO World Heritage city since 1979. Semana Santa in Guatemala was listed separately in 2022 as intangible cultural heritage. The two recognitions are different.
Can I learn about Semana Santa outside Holy Week?
Yes. The Museo de la Semana Santa is open to visitors every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with Q40 for foreign visitors in 2026. It is closed on January 1, November 1, December 24, 25 and 31.
Where should I stay during Holy Week?
Compare the areas in our where to stay guide. Once the procession routes are published, check how far your accommodation is from the streets you want to see.