Las Alfombras means “the carpets” in Spanish. However, within the Catholic Church, it is a special carpet made of colored materials like sawdust, rice, fruit, or flower petals depicting scenes from the life of Jesus and particularly of Holy Week. For those who meticulously work to create it, it is a form of prayer and veneration, with each scene depicted the special responsibility and privilege for the individual/s who work on it.
The idea of creating Las Alfombras started in Spain and was inspired by Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. That custom was brought to Guatemala by Spanish Franciscan missionaries where it became and has remained part of the culture of the people of Guatemala. This gift has now been brought to the United States and especially to Saint Anthony of Padua parish thanks to the Guatemalan community of Northern Virginia.
Las Alfombras is an ephemeral work of art, being removed after the procession of the Via Crucis on Good Friday enters the Church.
Las Alfombras is recognized throughout the world as demonstrating the faith and devotion of Catholic people and being a blessing for all who come to see it.
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