Roman Soldiers

Yes, these are Guatemalan sized Roman Soldiers. They escort the processionals through the streets. I won't bore you with more and more of the same ol' same ol, but there are 2 processionals today, there were 2 yesterday (one with kids as young as5-sh carrying the float) and there are 4 tomorrow.

But, the cool/interesting/strange part (as if the simple ideal of a 12 hour parade carrying a 2000+ lbs float didn't strike you as "cool" is that tomorrow morning at 3 am, soldiers will be going through the streets announcing the charges against Jesus Christ (I told you that they re-enact all parts of the final days of Christ's life). And yes, they'll be on horseback with trumpets to be sure people know what's happening (I have a feeling there were no trumpets 2000 years ago, and that the whole matter was kept n the down-lo). But still... if it happened back then, they're recreating it this week (including the visit with Pilate, incarceration, a "trial," and yes, crucifiction - a no-one-dies 'representation' thereof - in case you're worried about some devoted Guatemalan Christian volunteering for the "honor").

From an outsider's point of view, it's all a bit morbid. But it's also really neat to be reminded of the dedication of people over the years, as well as the events that changed the world. Easter grass and Pass Color kits just don't do Easter justice. Some might say this whole affair is a bit over-the-top, and I can understand that (especially after seeing crying children relieved from their post as a float carrier), but still - the point is well made that Christ made a major sacrifice for us, and we can (in a variety of ways) sacrifice for him.