Sneak Peek: A free, interactive lesson centered on one of the most famous traditions of Semana Santa in Guatemala—the creation and use of alfombras!
Alfombra art is on full display during Holy Week. It is constructed of brightly colored sawdust right in the streets along the routes of religious processions, and although they are extremely intricate and take hours (or days) to make, the artists sacrifice their time as an example of devotion to Jesus, to show humility, and to demonstrate that life is temporary. Large religious floats will be carried directly over the artwork, destroying it.
The cultural practice of gathering with neighbors, friends and family to plan and create the sawdust art is deeply respected and valued, and shows a shared cultural identity. It’s important for heritage learners to see the intergenerational knowledge being passed down.
This lesson blends culture, tradition, symbolism, art, and the Spanish language, making it the perfect addition to your classroom.
Learning Objectives: Students will be able to explain the symbolism and purpose of alfombras in Guatemala during Semana Santa using academic Spanish.
Materials:
Free Downloads
Semana Santa Día 1 Slideshow (FREE)
Hoja de análisis: Alfombras (FREE)
Alfombras usadas durante Semana Santa en Guatemala (FREE)
Alfombras usadas durante Semana Santa en Guatemala Editable Version (For Purchase)
El significado de los colores más comunes en las alfombras (FREE)
El mensaje detrás de las alfombras (FREE)
Prep:
Print the student notes sheet – Hoja de análisis: Alfombras, and have the slideshow ready to present from your computer.
Duration:
One 57-minute class period
Teacher Instructions:
Use the Semana Santa Día 1 Slideshow to do a ‘Think-Ink-Pair-Share’ activity by having students describe what they think alfombras are and why they might matter. Select a few to share out loud.
Continue with the slideshow to deepen their understanding.
- Ask students if these are the alfombras that are used in our homes.
- Ask students to make predictions as to what they believe the alfombras are made out of and why they are made during this time of year.
- Use slide 5 to show the video so they can see the process in action.
- Slides 6-9 will review key vocabulary to help students make connections between the materials used and the resources available to create the alfombras.
- Advance to slide 10. Ask students to share their thoughts (based on the video) on why people would devote hours to an art that will be destroyed during the parade.
- Visual Analysis Gallery Walk: linked in the Semana Santa Día 1 Slideshow pages 13-17 and as a separate slideshow for easy downloading. You can put the images from Alfombras usadas durante Semana Santa en Guatemala around the room or download them to your digital learning platform. Students rotate with a sheet titled: Hoja de análisis: Alfombras where they will fill out several details about each piece of art.
- Decide if you would like to collect their worksheets for participation points or an academic grade.
Optional Activities:
- Have a circle talk using the images of Alfombras usadas durante Semana Santa en Guatemala, or use one or more of the questions below as an exit ticket.
Have students answer:
What do they see?
What do they believe is the message?
What emoticons does the image send?
What is a personal connection that can be made with the image?
- Show this video to the class about how they build a connection with the community’s involvement during the creation of the Alfombras de Aserrín.
- Print copies of El significado de los colores más comunes en las alfombras and/or El mensaje detrás de las alfombras for the students. Allow students to read and discuss in small groups where they share what message most aligns with their personal viewpoint of the alfombras.
What’s next?
This free lesson is part of a three-day series on the alfombras in Guatemala for Semana Santa! In the second lesson students will compare viewpoints and analyze symbolism related to traditions, identity, religion, and community. On the final day they will create and present an original alfombra design with an evidence-based oral explanation in Spanish.
To access the rest of the lessons, plus a growing bundle of Holiday Resources (13 topics and counting) for advanced Spanish classes or heritage speakers, click here!
Additional lessons in the unit:
- Semana Santa Día 2 Slideshow (For Purchase)
- Cuatro esquinas (For Purchase)
- Estaciones de detectives (For Purchase)
- Apuntes de cada estación (For Purchase)
- Semana Santa Día 3 Slideshow (For Purchase)
- Color By Number alfombra (For Purchase)
- Coloring Page (For Purchase)
- Print and cut stencils (For Purchase)
- Presentación Oral: Mi Alfombra – Rúbrica de Evaluación (For Purchase)
- Mis apuntes Semana Santa in Guatemala (For Purchase)
If you’re ready to get access to more units with full resources prepared, join us inside the Heritage Spanish Club!
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