Holy Week (Semana Santa)

Easter is celebrated in grand fashion in San Pedro de Zacapa. This holiday is considered important, not just because of their religious significance but also because families use this time to get together and spend time together. The churches of all denominations provide masses, baptisims and processions. Alongside these activities, the community will serve traditional foods such as fried fish, cakes, special honey breads, fruits and drinks such as “chilate” which is accompanied with bread or cane candy.

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One community in particular observes a very unique tradition. In San Antonio de Chuchitepeque you can see the procession of the “Herrante” Jew, the Jewish Soldiers, the stroll of the Virgin and the crucified Christ. During these celebrations the people wear brightly colored clothes and masks made in the traditional Lenca style as well as replica rifles, jewelery and decorations which are made especially for the parade.

Along with the approaching summer and hot weather, the community of Zacapa observes the ancient legend that during Easter the devil walks loose and if one bathes in a river, lake or lagoon you will be transformed into a fish. Thus no one bathes during this time which is the Tuesday through Saturday during the Easter week. On Easter Sunday it is safe the bathe once again.

All alng the river, the communities dam the river with rocks to create vast bathing pools called “Balnearios”. Many of the all-year round “balnearios” such as “El Puente”, “El Borbollón”, “La Junta”, “La Juenera”, “La Posa del Negro”, “El Raicero”, “La Posa de Don Claudio” y “El Paso” all along the Zacapa riverl are packed with tourists and locals.

Other popular bathing spots include the “Aguas Termales” (Thermal Waters) of Azacualpa, Ulúa River, “Jaitique”, the waterfall of “La Boquita” (The Little Mouth), the “balneario” at El Cacao, the source of the Zacapa River, “Agua Zarca”, “El Milagro” and “La Danta”.

Numerous points along the Ulúa River such as the “El Médico”, “La Careta”, “La Huerta”, “El Puente”, “Cotica” y “San Ángel” en Agua Caliente y Canculuncos are frequented by villagers.

We should mention that the "balnearios" at "El Cacao", "El Nacimiento" and "Aguas Termales" are maintained by community groups. A small fee is charged and the proceeds go towards making signs, creating temporary benches and collecting trash. COME VISIT US THIS SUMMER!