Maundy Thursday 2025
Date: April 17, 2025 (Thursday)
Country: Guatemala Public Holidays
Description
Maundy Thursday in Guatemala is a religious day for Christians. It remembers the night before Jesus died. People think about his last meal with his friends and the lessons he taught them about love and service.
The holiday happens on the Thursday before Easter. The date changes every year because Easter is set by a church rule tied to the moon and spring. So Maundy Thursday can fall in March or April.
This day is part of Holy Week, the most important week in the Christian calendar. It leads up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday, which remember Jesus dying and then rising again.
Maundy Thursday is significant because it focuses on humility, caring for others, and faith. For many Guatemalans it is a time to reflect on personal values and to gather with family and church communities.
Traditions
In Guatemala people make long alfombras of colored sawdust, flowers and fruit peels along streets. Families and neighbors work together for hours to create detailed carpets before processions pass over them. The designs can be religious or floral.
Large night processions carry heavy pasos with statues of Christ and Mary. Devotees called cargadores lift and carry the platforms while others walk in silence or sing hymns. Some churches hold foot washing ceremonies with priests who wash parishioners feet in memory of a ritual.
Food is simple and meat is often avoided. Families share fish, seafood or vegetable soups after services. Many homes keep quiet and dim lights, with people visiting churches or keeping a vigil into the night.
Travel Tips
Many banks and government offices close. Some shops and restaurants open shorter hours. Expect road closures and heavy traffic near city centers. Book buses and tours in advance. Watch for crowded streets and pickpockets. Keep valuables secure.
Dress modestly and follow local rules at public events. Ask before taking photos. Support small vendors and tip service workers. Carry small bills, water, and ID copies. Allow extra travel time and use trusted taxis or arranged transport.