Checking Out the Andas of Antigua

Sometimes, you happen to be in the right place at the right time. I was walking near the Arco Santa Catalina during my February 2015 trip to Antigua, when I spied an open gate in the ruined church on the west side of the street. As I looked in, I saw a storage facility for some of the religious floats or “andas” that are carried through the streets of Antigua by hundreds of purple robed men or women during the weeks leading up to Easter. Massive crowds of people watch the processions, which are usually followed by a band. Different processions follow different routes, and there are variations in who carries the anda, etc.

The gate to the storage area was open because workers were touching up the paint on the religious figures. They allowed people inside to take photos, asking only for a small optional donation. I took the photos below, I hope you enjoy them.