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Guatemala City

Colors of Guatemala City - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The bulk of the local population is Indians who carefully preserve their centuries-old customs and traditions. Despite the fact that Guatemala is the capital of a prosperous modern state, ancient traditions can be noticed here in absolutely all spheres of life. Thus, while walking around the city you can see people dressed in national costumes. Visiting local residents' homes, at the entrance, you can see small totems - charms depicting sacred animals. They are still revered along with Christian shrines.

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Totems of this kind are sold as souvenirs, however, these handicrafts are nothing more than beautiful souvenirs for local residents. The thing is that a real totem is stored for several hundred years and passed down from generation to generation. Ancient Indian beliefs are also manifested in interesting rites. Curious tourists are allowed to attend some of them. At the same time, Christian churchmen are also treated with great respect. In houses, you can often see Christian icons, which are worshiped and considered the most valuable religious shrines.

Speaking of local souvenirs, it is worth noting the popularity of bowler hats. These beautiful hats are endowed with a lot of mystical properties too. The hats are decorated with bright amulets and necessarily consecrated by a local sorcerer or fetisher. This hat can be a wonderful gift and is considered the strongest amulet against the evil eye. Hereditary healers, sorcerers, and shamans still live in the city. According to local residents, they can not only read fortune and cure any diseases but also put a curse on somebody or take it off. For this reason, all sorts of protective amulets are so common here. People never part with them since childhood. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

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The main values in the life of local people are the family and relatives. All other spheres of life are given much less attention, emotions, and efforts. The family is treated as a single whole. It's hard to imagine that one family member goes to a celebration or an important event - the whole family is always invited to the feast. Foreign tourists are treated very cautiously and with a bit of curiosity. Locals are very gullible and are always happy to help tourists with advice.

As for traditional Guatemalan cuisine, it is worth noting that the main products in the local diet are corn, meat, rice, beans. The main dishes worth trying while in Guatemala City include all dishes containing corn (tacos, boiled corn, corn porridge), "cos caldo cas" (chikemn and vegetable soup), "fajitas" (fried meat with stewed vegetables), "escabeche" (meat in a pot), "tamales" (meat or vegetables baked in banana leaves), rice cakes. When it comes to strong drinks, rum prevails here, while beer and wine are also popular.

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Festivals held in Guatemala City are just as colorful as cuisine and locals themselves. And, of course, the most colorful is the Festival de Muertos. Despite the fact that the holiday is dedicated to the dead, this is definitely a fun-filled celebration. On this day, it is customary to make dinner not only for the living but also for relatives who have already left this world. Sweets are made in the shape of skulls, coffins, skeletons. It is customary to fly kites as a symbol of questions that gnaw at the immortal human soul, and it is believed that in this way you can find the answers to them. This holiday is a kind of mix of Christian and pagan traditions, which gives it some charm.

Where else if not in the capital of Guatemala the country's Independence Day is so colorful. The time of the celebration falls on September 15. Just before the holiday, you can see hundreds of people running with torches. This is an interesting tradition recreating the events of 1821 that symbolize galloping horsemen announcing the proclamation of independence of the republic. On the same day, military parades accompanied by musical performances are held, and festive fireworks become the culmination of the public holiday. Of course, it is not complete without festive school events.

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Another widely celebrated holiday is called Semana Santa, that is, Holy Week. The most colorful actions take place in the city near Guatemala City - Antigua. Before the holiday comes, the city is decorated with “alfombras” - picturesque carpets depicting Mayan ornaments and symbols of the colonial style, which together gives an interesting combination. During the festival days, colorful parades take place right on carpets, which gives an unforgettable impression to the audience. Men in the procession wear dark purple clothes and carry boats where Jesus is depicted, while women dress in black and carry a platform with the image of the Virgin Mary.

On December 7, La Quema del Diablo, or Devil's Burning, is traditionally celebrated in Guatemala City. The tradition is of primary importance for residents of the city and is closely connected with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, which is celebrated the next day, on December 8 On the evening of the celebration, a straw figure symbolizing the king of hell is burned at the stake. The action itself is impressive enough to be remembered by everyone who've seen it. Another tradition involves the burning of all old and unnecessary stuff, which is quite useful for home coziness and comfort.

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On December 15, the colorful and distinctive Festival de Santo Tomás takes place in the city of Chichicastenango located near Guatemala's capital. This is the time when a fair opens where you can buy things traditionally associated with Guatemala - ponchos, potatoes, masks. This is one of the most interesting festivals, during which you can personally get acquainted with the traditions and local culture, see festively dressed locals wearing national costumes, watch parades and dance performances. By the way, each dance is unique and is dedicated to a certain event - for example, to the conquest of the local population by conquistadors or, on the contrary, the acquisition of independence. A real gift for all tourists will be watching the "snake dance" symbolizing birth.

Guatemala is famous for its coffee production. Locals and the day cannot live a day without the divine drink, and therefore it is not surprising that in February there is a festival dedicated to coffee harvesting. It happens in a city near Guatemala - Freihanes. Enjoying the incredible aroma of the drink, tasting local dishes, listening to traditional music - this is just a little of how you can entertain yourself at the festival. Besides that, a colorful parade of locals dressed in national clothes passes through the main streets.

This guide to traditions and festivals in Guatemala City is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.

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City tours, excursions and tickets in Guatemala City and surroundings

Reference information

Map of all churches

Cathedrals and basilicas near Guatemala City
♥ Santuario Expiatorio al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, Ciudad de Guatemala, 2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Catedral Primada Metropolitana de Santiago, Ciudad de Guatemala, 4 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Ciudad de Guatemala, 4.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Santuario Arquidiocesano del Señor San José, Ciudad de Guatemala, 4.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Iglesia de San Francisco el Grande, Antigua Guatemala, 21.9 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Catedral de San José, Antigua Guatemala, 22.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Concatedral Santa Ana, Chimaltenango, 30.9 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Colors of Guatemala City - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

City tours, excursions and tickets in Guatemala City and surroundings

Colors of Guatemala City in photos

Search for popular touristic sites on Guatemala City map

Traditions and festivals in cities around Guatemala City