Culture and Traditions

Antigua Guatemala or Santiago de los Caballeros of Guatemala

Antigua Guatemala is the capital city of the department of Sacatepequez. The city is known for preserving its colonial architecture and baroque facades. Antigua Guatemala from 1979 belonged to the patrimony of Unesco.

During its years of development was one of the most beautiful cities in the Spanish Indies. Initially, the city was named Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala. No embergo, after the earthquake of July 29, 1773 the city had suspension in its development.

By severe earthquakes that destroyed much of the Antigua Guatemala. The president opted to transfer the capital to a safer place. Putting the new capital at 40 km from Antigua Guatemala. Call now Nueva Guatemala de la Asuncion, the current capital.

Puerto Barrios

Puerto Barrios is the city where the most important port in Guatemala is located. This port is chiefly for the export of bananas to the United States. You can take boat to Livingston and Rio Dulce.

Livingston

Livingston is located 60 km from Puerto Barrios can only go by sea from Puerto Barrios or Rio Dulce. This city is populated by people of ethnic Garifuna (African-American). Where you can taste the local cuisine. Main dishes: rice, covered and coconut bread.

Huehuetenango

The city of Huehuetenango was founded in 1524 by Gonzalo de Alvarado after the conquest in Antigua Guatemala. Not far away is the archeological site Zaculeu. It is a tourist site located at 4 km from Central City Park.

In Chiantla village near Huehuetenango, the Virgin of Candelaria there that is made of silver, located in the Cathedral. Of colonial origin, was made in the seventeenth century.

This is the starting place for your trip to Todos Santos, Zaculeu, Democracy and around.

Todos Santos

Todos Santos is a city in the department of Huehuetenango. The city is located in the Cuchumatanes with a height of 2500 meters.

Most of the population of Todos Santos is indigenous descendants of the Maya Mam and speak. It is one of the places where almost everyone uses the typical costume. The peculiarity of these costumes is that women have the same hat as her husband.

The annual festival takes place from October 31 to November 2. Celebrate Day Saints. This festival includes traditional dances, marimba music and horse racing.

Chichicastenango

The town of Chichicastenango is famous for its market. Many tourists come to this city to visit the largest market in Guatemala. Most of the population is indigenous ethnic group of Quiché. In the town of Chichicastenango is meeting the Popol Vuh, the Mayan religious book.

In the town is the village Pascual Bass, a location up a hill overlooking Chichicastenango where a shaman prays for God to help them in their work.

San Francisco el Alto

San Francisco el Alto is a quiet town. Once a week the city is transformed into a giant market. It is one of the largest in the highlands of Guatemala. Many people from surrounding villages to sell their crafts and a variety of animals were combined.

The number of people in the city can be explained by the fact that there is no market in the other villages near the city. This market starts at 6 am.

The Chichicastenango market is one of the most touristic but still the village of San Fransisco High has the most authentic country market.

Santiago Atitlán, Santa Catarina Palopo & San Antonio Palopo

There are several villages around Atitlán Lake. Most interesentes are: Santiago Atitlán, Santa Catarina Palopo & San Antonio Palopo. They are very traditional with a majority indigenous population. The costumes called huipil are used by almost all the inhabitants in these villages.

You can find Maximón. He is the god of the land, local people will visit it giving some gifts like alcohol and cigarettes.

All these villages are visited by boat.

Sololá

Solola is an interesting city for its large market, regularly sell foodstuffs. It is situated on the main square of the city. Local costumes are very colorful. This market is usually made to visit Lake Atitlán.

The market days are Tuesday and Friday

Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango or called ” Xela ” is the country’s second largest city. Two volcanoes near the city are:

• The Santiago
• The Santiaguito

This city is one of the coldest of Guatemala and Central America. Temperatures range from 4°C to 19°C. During the cold season (November to February), temperatures can drop to -9°C.
In the city of Quetzaltenango speaks Spanish, Quiche and Mam.

San Andres Xecul

This city is very famous for its Catholic Church yellow color. A little further up in the city, one can observe religious rituos and panoramic city and surroundings.
You will discover the reasons and sculptures of the church.

Guatemala City

Guatemala City is the capital. His real full name is: La Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción. The city is located in the metropolitan area in a valley. Guatemalans usually called the capital ” Guate ” or ” The Capital “.

At the time of the Spanish colony, Guatemala City was a small town with a monastery, El Carmen. It was founded in 1620. Previously, the capital of Guatemala was the ancient Guatemala. This city was destroyed by violent earthquakes. Also, the capital was moved 40 km to the city of Guatemala. In the last years of colonization, was signed the Act of Independence September 15, 1821.