This Sunday we celebrate Easter. Jews celebrate Passover. In Latin America, the entire week is known as “Semana Santa” (Holy Week). A common tradition in cities big and small is the religious procession, with locals costumed as Roman soldiers, Pontius Pilate, etc. They burn incense and carry large parade floats featuring Crucifixion and Resurrection images throughout the streets. Locals stay awake all day and night before the parades to create elaborate alfombras, which are colorful “carpets” made of damp, colored sawdust. The carpets often include images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, or simple proclamations of peace. The highlight is watching the parade march over your alfombra, essentially destroying it.
As it happens, I often find myself in Latin America during this time of year – and not always on purpose, either. Which Latin American city and country am I visiting in this photo?
GringoPotpourri 
Not sure where exactly but I would guess somewhere in Brazil? Planning on checking out the crucifixion reenactment in Iztapalapa this Friday – if you’re interested in coming let me know. Cheers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passion_Play_of_Iztapalapa
Good guess Peter, but not Brazil. Further north.
And thanks for the Friday invite – I might take you up on that, but I’ll have to check my social calendar first, jajaja.
Update: This was solved by “Shari” via Facebook. She correctly guessed El Salvador, though no one came up with the city. It was taken the day before Easter 2011 in the capital city of San Salvador.
If you are interested in Semana Santa celebrations elsewhere in Latin America, I recommend the former capital of Antigua, Guatemala. In addition to the Easter-week processions, Antigua also features fine local handicrafts, nearby guided volcano hikes, and several half-ruined churches (courtesy of the region’s earthquakes) that are fun to explore. Antigua is a small town, so be sure to make lodging reservations well in advance.
Thanks for guessing everyone!