We witnessed the vibrant traditional celebrations in the churches and streets and learned about the unique way Guatemala celebrates Lenten season. The whole city transforms into building colorful alfombras along the streets as processions with hundreds of people pass over them and finish at the churches. The processions featured Roman centurions, loud brass bands, and devout purple-covered carriers who carry the antique colonial statues of Christ and Virgin Mary from each church on large wooden platforms. The processions occur every Sunday throughout Lent starting in the wee hours of the morning and go on for 18 hours! This was such a unique, and unexpected, experience and the intricate carpets were truly a work of art.