Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Honduran Lempira


Lempira was the ruler of an indigenous people in western Honduras named the Lencas. During the 1530s he was a war captain and led a resistance against the Spanish conquest of the region. To honor his memory the Honduran currency bares his name.

Alfombras in Comayagua


Comayagua (Come-a-ya-gwa) is a colonial town located in central Honduras. Every year during the Christian holiday of Holy Week extensive celebrations take place. One of these is the making of alfombras (al-fome-bras), or carpets, on Good Friday. These carpets contain elaborate religious designs that are made from stenciling dyed saw dust from pine wood. Artists create the carpets for display by working for up to ten hours designing such images as the last supper and ornate patterns. Spectators can admire the creativity of the carpets until 10:30pm when they walked over by the Procession of Vía Crucis (Vee-a-Croo-sis). Although the celebration is considered Catholic, Hondurans of all faiths enjoy the dedication and artistry that is apparent in the carpets.

Copan


Copan is an ancient Mayan city in far western Honduras. It was considered the Paris of the Mayan kingdom as it is most famous for its portrait stelae. Peoples first lived established a kingdom in the area around 159. The area reached a peak during the 5th century, but declined greatly during the 8th-9th century. The site today is easily accessible and is one of the most important tourist attractions in Honduras.