From 20th-26th March 2016, Central America will come alive with colourful processions and festivities in celebration of the 'Semana Santa', or Easter week, the most important religious holiday of the year. Catholicism is the predominant religion in Central America however each country is upheld by its own indigenous traditions that are kept alive throughout the holiday. Here Visit Centro-America lists some of the must-see Easter celebrations in Central America.  

'Semana Santa' in Antigua Guatemala

The colonial city of Antigua Guatemala in Guatemala hosts the most impressive 'Semana Santa' celebrations in the whole of Central America. The festivities held in the city are a reflection of the religious fervour brought from Spain 500 years ago, with mile long processions bearing the image of Jesus and winding their way through the streets followed by men adorning traditional purple robes.

In the run up to Easter locals and tourists come together to make 'Alfombras', carpets made from flowers and colourful sawdust, which are then used to decorate the streets of the city. Despite the Easter celebrations in Antigua Guatemala bearing similarities to those held in Spain, Guatemala's festivities are overshadowed by Mayan influences, with many of the decorations bearing Mayan symbols.

Journey Latin America offers a 15 day 'Culture and Caribbean' tour that takes in the best of Antigua Guatemala and Belize with departures during 'Semana Santa'. The tour is priced from £2,098 per person excluding international flights. www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk/destinations/guatemala/holidays/signature-guatemala-and-belize-culture-and-caribbean

'Viacrucis Acuatico' on Lake Nicaragua

 Nicaragua is famous for the 'Viacrucis Acuatico' a procession of 40 boats that sail around the islands of Granada on Lake Nicaragua - the largest lake in Central America. Islanders decorate the boats with flowers and images of Jesus and go from island to island to receive symbolic offerings to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus.

When the event was first launched it was only attended by locals who used their own boats to cross the lake, little by little it has become increasingly popular and is now attended by the people from the city of Granada and hundreds of tourists from around the world.

Travel to Nicaragua with Exodus on their 'Highlights of Nicaragua' tour. The 13 day tour during Easter week from 13th-25th March is priced from £1,359 per person including flights from the UK. www.exodus.co.uk/nicaragua-holidays

 'The Arbol Granadillo' in Panama

 For centuries Panamanians from the community of the River of Jesus in the Province of Veraguas have celebrated 'Semana Santa' by paying a visit to the 'Arbol Granadillo'. The 'Arbol Granadillo' is a tree that holds symbolic religious meaning for Panamanians as it only blooms once a year during Easter week leading locals to believe it is sacred and has healing powers. Catholics from across the world flock to the 'Rio de Jesus' to pray for miracles by the tree and to bring candles, flowers and fruit during 'Semana Santa'.

Last Frontiers runs a 12 day 'Classic Panama' holiday with departures all year round including during 'Semana Santa'. The holiday is priced from £1,270 per person including flights from the UK. www.lastfrontiers.com/itineraries/classic-panama

The Annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycle Race, Belize

TheEaster processions and festivities in Belize are similar to the ones that take place in neighbouring countries with floats, streets decorated with colourful carpets and parades of men in traditional robes.

Belize enjoys its own 'Semana Santa' tradition that reflects the historical and cultural heritage of the country. On Holy Saturday Belize shuts down for the Annual Holy Saturday Cross Country Cycle Race, a 140 mile race that runs from Belize City to San Ignacio-Santa Elena in the West, and back to Belize City. The first race was held in 1928 and has its roots in colonial Belize when people had to cycle from village to village to watch sports as public transport was non-existent.

Explore runs a 'Discover Belize' tour with departures during Easter week from 13th-27th March. The 14 day tour takes in all the highlights of Belize and is priced from £2,499 including international flights from the UK. www.explore.co.uk/holidays/belize-wildlife-holiday

For more information on Central America visit: www.visitcentroamerica.com

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CATA – the promotional agency for the seven Central America countries (Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama and Nicaragua) – is represented by Lotus.  Please contact Georgina Oakley or Lucy Keenan at Lotus– georgina@wearelotus.co.uk /lucy@wearelotus.co.uk  / 0207 953 7470