Religious tourism: a journey through the soul of Central America

Guatemala, Antigua, becomes a scene of fervor and color with its majestic processions and iconic sawdust carpets. Since 2023, Holy Week in Guatemala has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

El Salvador is known for the iconic Procession of the Christs of Izalco, Sonsonate. It is one of the most solemn Holy Week processions in Central America, bringing together thousands of faithful in a route that integrates images from different brotherhoods, creating one of the most representative expressions of religious syncretism in the country.

The aquatic pilgrimage to the Isletas de Granada, Nicaragua, is another unique tradition where boats decorated with religious images sail between islets, recreating the Stations of the Cross, creating an experience of faith amidst the stunning Lake Nicaragua.

Meanwhile, Panama's colonial streets come alive with processions that wind through the Old Town, evoking the traditions of the brotherhoods of old San Felipe. In an atmosphere of deep devotion, these tours highlight historical landmarks and celebrate local identity, set against the impressive backdrop of centuries-old churches in this site, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997.

The taste of Holy Week: Lenten gastronomy in the region

Lent cuisine is a reflection of the region's cultural fusion, with each country contributing traditional dishes to accompany religious celebrations. In Belize, the Garifuna and Mestizo communities enjoy hudut, a fish and coconut stew accompanied by plantain, and coconut buns, a staple delicacy during this season. Honduras, for its part, holds processions accompanied by traditional flavors such as the well-known baleadas (balearic festivals), and sweet squash in honey is a favorite recipe with pre-Hispanic roots that captivates the palates of both locals and foreigners. The Dominican Republic brings the flavor of the Caribbean during Lent, when the table is filled with black bean moro (a traditional dessert made with black beans) and the iconic sweet bean dessert, a unique dish from the island.

Beyond its spiritual significance, Holy Week in Central America and the Dominican Republic is an invitation to discover the history, culture, and flavors that make this region a unique destination for religious tourism.