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On this day, Mayans celebrate the cycle of life coming full circle. Followers of Mayan ritual practice celebrate in sacred sites around the country. New priests are initiated into community service for a full cycle, a solemn honor. The uninitiated may observe some rituals, and should be respectful at all times. Dates and locations of ceremonies in Guatemala City TBA.
This is a kinda conflicted holiday in Guatemala as in much of Latin America. Some celebrate Columbus's discovery of the Americas. Others celebrate the survival of indigenous cultures in spite of that discovery and the European conquest that followed it. The designation Dia de la Raza or "Day of the Race," namely a race mixed of colonial and indigenous elements, represents this duality. Celebrations in Guatemala City, centering around the Plaza Mayor, may meet protests. Such meetings, while most often peaceable, do warrant caution.
Designed for children over five years old. Their main objective is to support formal education in a fun but safe place; a space where the kids can learn through interactive games. There are plans for a shop specializing in educational material and stimulating toys for the smaller ones. The customer service is excellent and the attendants are always on hand to provide information for visitors in each part of this interesting museum.
January is the peak of the sailfish season off the Pacific Coast of Guatemala, although sailfish are caught year-round here. A nice coincidence of ocean currents makes nutrients and the big fish that eat them plentiful, leading to record catches. Numerous companies run full package tours, picking fishers up in Guatemala City, providing transportation, meals, equipment and even entertainment, although the real draw is reeling in the giants.
Renowned for its colorful market days (Thursdays and Sundays), Chichicastenango also stages one of Guatemala's best religious celebrations, the week-long tribute (December 13-21) to Santo Tomas, the city's patron saint. The ceremonial center of the festivities is the Church of Santo Tomas, but rituals in this ancient Mayan city mix Catholic with native traditions. Visitors can expect abundant food, lively music and any number of native dances. Also watch for the acrobatic Palo Volador stunts in which performers fly on ropes around a central pole.
If you need to do last-minute gift shopping before leaving Guatemala , tour the 30-plus stalls of this market. Browse arrays of woolen goods, wood carvings, leather goods, pottery and jewelry. Prices are reasonable. Also, sample regional dishes and sweets, or have a full meal in the Don Emiliano restaurant. Some market stalls close on Sundays.
The 1st of May is a national holiday in Guatemala, with parties and parades around the country. On this date, workers in Guatemala City celebrate with events taking place throughout the city, of course nobody works! so HAVE FUN!!!
The revolution day commemorates the democratic revolution of 1944 when unhappy university and military leaders overthrew the military dictator Jorge Ubico y Castaneda. It occasions political demonstrations and marches as well as raucous celebrations with music and more, centering around the Plaza Mayor. Guatemalans take almost any opportunity to set off fireworks, and this is no exception, so take to the streets for a taste of Central American political fervor but cover your ears.
Experience the "Land of the Maya" on this 7-day unique guided walking trip throughout Guatemala. See massive volcanoes, historic temples, crater lakes, small villages, and more. The tour begins and ends in Guatemala City and makes its way to Lake Atitlan, Santiago, El Remate and numerous other sites.
Quirigua had become the capital of an autonomous and prosperous state. The ruins of Quirigua contain a few impressive 8th-century monuments and an amazing series of carved stelae and sculpted calendars that constitute an essential source for the study of Mayan civilization. A real feast for your eyes!.
Nick: BaCKPackerName: Daniel Age: 26 NY - USA |
I like backpacking,
hiking, xtreme sports.
Laid back kinda guy =)
