What is an Alfombra? An alfombra is a stunning, handmade temporary carpet crafted from vibrant colored sawdust, often adorned with intricate designs and patterns. These works of art are created directly on the streets as part of religious processions during Holy Week. Each alfombra serves as a symbolic offering, showcasing devotion and creativity. As the procession passes over the alfombras, they are inevitably destroyed, representing a sacrifice and the fleeting nature of material beauty.
Join us in Guatemala to experience the Essence of Semana Santa (Holy Week):
Holy Week, or “Semana Santa” in Spanish, is a sacred time for Guatemalans, marked by a series of religious processions, ceremonies, and rituals that commemorate the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. While the observance of Holy Week is a global phenomenon, Guatemala’s rendition is distinctive, combining indigenous Mayan traditions with Catholic rituals brought by Spanish colonizers.
Cultural Fusion: Mayan Traditions and Catholicism:
Guatemala’s Holy Week is a testament to the harmonious fusion of Mayan traditions and Catholicism. Indigenous rituals, such as the burning of incense and the use of traditional textiles, seamlessly intertwine with Catholic ceremonies, creating a syncretic celebration that reflects the country’s diverse cultural identity.
Compassion in Action – Acts of Service and Solidarity:
Beyond the grandeur of processions and artistic displays, Holy Week in Guatemala is also a time for acts of compassion and community service. Many local organizations and individuals engage in humanitarian efforts, providing support to those in need. In the heart of Guatemala, Holy Week unfolds as a multidimensional celebration of faith, culture, and compassion. As we reflect on the vibrant tapestry of Holy Week, may we be inspired to carry the spirit of humanity forward, weaving threads of understanding and empathy across borders and cultures.
Read our entire Semana Santa blog post here.
Out With The Old!
We are collecting items through February 6th, so start filling your 13 gallon trash bags.
We Are Collecting
Clothes
Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes, coats, shoes, scarves, handbags, wallets, fashion accessories, belts, backpacks, etc.
Household Textiles
Bedding, comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, linen, tablecloths, curtains, pillows, etc.
Small Household Goods
*Must be in boxes
Kitchen Items (such as pots/pans, dishes, silverware, glasses, serving pieces and hand-held appliances), home decorative items, knick-knacks, toys, games, and small electronics.
Books & Media
Paperback, hard cover – all genres
*media needs to be boxed separately
*no encyclopedias or text books
Please use bags for clothes and textiles and tightly pack boxes of small household goods. Separate books from household goods and media. All items must be clean and in sellable condition.
We are collecting items until February 6, 2025.
Donations can be brought to
1181 Nathaniel Drive, Pleasant Grove, Utah 84062
Be Humanitarian’s garden tower program has consistently demonstrated its ability to create measurable, positive change in the lives of Guatemalan women and their families. Between 2019 and 2024, our dedicated team of six moms have sewn and installed 1,857 garden towers. Each tower produces approximately 1,250 meals annually, collectively providing an astounding 2.3 million meals annually. This consistent access to healthy food directly improves physical health and reduces food insecurity for families while empowering women to play an active role in sustaining their households.
~2025~
APRIL 2025 Semana Santa
Service Vacation
April 11 – April 18, 2025
JULY 2025 Adventure
Service Vacation
July 27 – Aug 4, 2025
OCTOBER 2025 Turtle Release –
Guatemalan Service Vacation
Oct 3 – 10, 2025
OCTOBER 2025 All Saints Day –
Guatemalan Service Vacation
Oct 26 – Nov 2, 2025
NOVEMBER 2025 Flower Festival –
Guatemalan Service Vacation
Nov 10 – Nov 17, 2025
~2026~
FEBRUARY 2026 Fair Trade
Humanitarian Trip
Feb 15 – Feb 22, 2025
OCTOBER 2026 Turtle Release –
Guatemalan Service Vacation
Oct 2 – 10, 2026
Do you know someone who would want to collaborate
for a Free Trip? Please connect them to Tobie!!
