Valentine’s Day in La Antigua Guatemala
It is because of people like Fernando or Fernanda that the rest of us get into trouble for not showing all of our love at once. I mean what kind of nerve to plaster the whole portón (doorway) with thousands of Post-it notes with love messages. 
Valentine’s Day in Guatemala is known as El Día del Cariño. Cariño and caress share the same etymology and it means affection. The Day of Affection would be a close translation for El Día del Cariño, thus it is much more than Valentine’s Day because it is the day to show your affection, love and appreciation to your co-workers, neighbors, friends, family, and of course, your girlfriend or wife; whatever the case may be.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Guatemala by giving ‘normally‘ flowers, chocolates, cards and whatever your creativity allows to show you affections. There are many gift exchanges among your peers in workplaces, schools and with your own family. February 14th is a great day to be in La Antigua Guatemala, don’t you think so?
If you were in La Antigua Guatemala, how would you celebrate El Día del Cariño?
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I love pepian and I’m suddenly feeling hungry!
February 14th, 2008
Pues this is a good example of what they call the “post-it” generation. It is actually not clear if Fer is the signature or the person this very public display of affection is dedicated to. Hopefully their love is not like the post-it notes: brief, squared, simple, quick, and sticks for just enough time. (Sorry for my cynicism).
Anyhow, it would be “lovely” to be in LAG any day of the year. Feliz Día del Cariño!
February 14th, 2008
I think this is lovely. Nothing like wearing your heart on your sleeve or your doorway as the case may be. I love this photo.
February 14th, 2008
Wow. I think that is very romantic!!!! Something like this does take effort, even if it is just a post-it. LOTS of post-its add up.
February 15th, 2008
I show love and affection to my wife everyday so this day is no different.
February 15th, 2008
Very sweet… what a great idea
February 15th, 2008
[...] Valentine’s Day in La Antigua Guatemala [...]
February 15th, 2008
I know it’s so cliche, but my boyfriend and I don’t exchange anything because we do things for each other all through the year. I get my daughter and niece and nephew a little something, but as far as grown ups - those I care about know it. But since your question is if I was in La Antigua how would I celebrate it? HMMM, I could get in trouble for that one as I have someone very very dear to me in LAG.
I plead the 5th.
February 15th, 2008
As we all are well aware, there is much commercialization to this holiday (as to many more), but I like the picture. I wonder if all the post-it notes have different messages? If I were in LAG with E, hmmm, there’s lots of places…but a sunrise at Cerro de la Cruz is a start– although I’m told that’s not a good idea now. By the way, I appreciate Manolo’s remark. I don’t think it’s necessarily cynical as it is tongue-in-cheek…or are those two related? No matter.I still appreciate it.
February 16th, 2008
Carmen, I don’t know if you know this, but if you click on the picture above, you’re taken to 200% enlargement where you can see more details. Try it with the Fernando or Fernanda link above.
February 16th, 2008
Rudy: Thanks. (Insert embarrassed smiley here) I know this, but I must be on weekend mode. Talking about size, I have one of your pictures as wallpaper on my laptopa (the one from January, 13, 2007). I like it, it makes me think I am back in LAG somewhat.