| Before Europeans arrived in Central America, ancient | | | | throughout the region, Semana Santa-the week leading |
| Mayan religion guided many areas of the local people's | | | | up to Easter-is a time for dramatic and emotional |
| lives. Festivals, ceremonies, and rituals honoring their | | | | festivities. Small villages and large cities alike hold |
| many gods and goddesses were held almost daily. | | | | processions in which worshippers carry statues of |
| When the Spanish arrived in the Americas, they | | | | Jesus, Mary, and other Christian figures through the |
| brought with them their own religion: Catholicism, a | | | | streets to or from the local church.One of the most |
| branch of Christianity. To convert the local people to | | | | beautiful Easter traditions in the region takes place in |
| Catholicism, the colonists forbade traditional religions | | | | the city of Antigua, Guatemala. The night before Good |
| and destroyed many Mayan temples and documents. | | | | Friday (the Friday before Easter), residents spend |
| However, some Maya secretly continued to observe | | | | many hours creating intricate, brightly colored carpets |
| many of their long-held beliefs and traditions. These | | | | of flower petals and dyed sawdust in the sidewalks |
| practices eventually blended with Christianity to create | | | | and streets. Then, beginning at dawn on Good Friday, |
| a new and unique belief system, which is followed by | | | | large processions pass over these temporary works |
| many of the region's people. Smaller populations of | | | | of art, destroying the display until the next year. On |
| Jews and Muslims also live in Central America. | | | | Easter Sunday, many Central Americans attend a |
| Largely as a result of this rich religious past, Central | | | | morning Mass (Catholic church service). Afterward, |
| Americans celebrate a great many holidays and | | | | they head home to enjoy large feasts with family and |
| festivals. In the Christian tradition,Easter and Christmas | | | | friends. This celebration meal showcases many |
| are the year's two most important events.All | | | | regional specialties, along with holiday treats. |