Last night we ventured out onto the streets of Antigua. That may not seem like a big deal to you, but as this week has gone on (Semana Santa), there have been more and more people arriving to our little town. They estimate that over 100,000 people will be here by the weekend.

So, we braved the crowds and got to see two beautiful processions, impressive alfombras, and inhale the wonderful smells emanating from food vendors lining the street festivals that go on all day near the starting point of each procession. At one particular festival, we got to walk by 14 massive floats depicting the stations of the cross.

Traditionally, there are 14 stations of the cross:

1. Jesus is condemned to death
2. Jesus receives the cross
3. Jesus falls the first time
4. Jesus meets His Mother
5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
6. Veronica wipes Jesus’ face with her veil
7. Jesus falls the second time
8. Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem
9. Jesus falls the third time
10. Jesus is stripped of His garments
11. Crucifixion: Jesus is nailed to the cross
12. Jesus dies on the cross
13. Jesus’ body is removed from the cross.
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb and covered in incense.

So, as we rounded the corner and saw the final float (#14), Emily (Age 10) innocently remarked “Hey, Dad, that’s not the end of the story!”  Emily could not be more right.

“Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.  He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead!” Matthew 28:5-7

Have a blessed Easter as you reflect on the incredible sacrifice of Jesus AND His victorious resurrection as well!