Semana Santa in Mompós

By Richard McColl

Much like Popayan's celebrations, Mompós Easter Week is a wonder to behold. The streets during this week fill with worshipers and Nazarene volunteers who, clad in purple robes and suffering in the heat, hoist weighty floats onto their shoulders for processions that place every day and every night during this festival. On one particular night – El Alumbrado (Wednesday) – town members head to the town's cemetery to visit deceased family members and friends. As a band plays on, the town members light candles and place them on or near the tombs of their loved ones. The resulting spectacle is both touching and inspiring, as the whole cemetery is set aglow. Towards the end of the week citizens begin erecting religious images in the streets, all of which are eventually trampled by the seemingly unending processions that follow. Be advised that Semana Santa is Mompós' only true high season. During this time hotel prices are often double or more than the norm. Rooms book up fast, though those with residences have been know to rent out their spare rooms.