Alfombras 2024

 

For several years, La Sagrada Familia on Detroit, Cleveland has observed Holy Week with Las Alfombras de Semana Santa (Carpets of Holy Week). They have 33 this year. To-morrow to begin the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) at 11am, people will trample the carpets, and travel to St. Colman, and then St. Michael.  [click for some years prior]

Semana Santa is Holy Week, and these carpets chiefly commemorate Jesus walk to Calvary.

In His Steps. IHS, first three letters of Jesus in Greek, a Christogram

Guatemala may have the greatest devotion to this sacramental practice. A Guatemalan did this alfombra, Su Amor es Infinito, His Love is Infinite. The figures surrounding the alfombra are cucuruchos (the penitents).

This was new to me. A person praying, with Jesus as Lion putting the Dark One to fear.

Every alfombra is not dedicated to Jesus. Here it is Our Lady of Guadelupe, and St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin of Mejico.

De Colores, of colors, is a favorite Mexican folk song. It is the anthem of the United Farm Workers, and is sung by many Catholic groups. Here for Holy Week, it is a reminder of the cock who crowed when Peter denied knowing Jesus.

Jesus and His Cross

There are countries in Central America where the main color in the national flag is of like blue. Eagles are often depicted in crests, and flags. Here a dove of peace is in the blue sky instead.

Jesus the Consoler

There is no Holy Water during the Triduum. Here instead of an empty stoup, there is sand. The next Holy Water comes during the Easter Vigil Mass.