Exhibition Opening: Alfombra de Aserrín

A traditional Guatemalan sawdust carpet installation brings a vibrant, community-rooted art form to the Coral Gables Museum.

Exhibition Opening: Alfombra de Aserrín takes place Friday, March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. The presentation highlights the centuries-old tradition of handcrafted carpets from Antigua Guatemala, created using dyed sawdust, flowers and natural materials as part of Holy Week celebrations recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Known for their intricate patterns and symbolic imagery, these ephemeral works are traditionally produced through collective effort, with families and artisans working together to create large-scale designs meant to last only briefly. The exhibition reflects both the visual detail and the cultural meaning behind the practice, emphasizing themes of community, spirituality and shared identity.

Presented in collaboration with cultural institutions from Guatemala and Coral Gables, the installation offers a rare opportunity to experience this living tradition within a museum setting.