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Here’s a follow up to Run Lolo Run published over five years ago. Once again, there’s kid running with both feet on the air. Also, once again the kid is framed, but this time the perspective is different. Visit the original Run Lolo Run and compare it with todays photo and tell us which one you like better.

This is among my favorite photographic subjects: repetition, arches, and Palacio de Los Capitanes Generales. I don’t think I will ever get tired of photographing this building. In fact, I should do a series with just photos of Palace of the Captains which should include everything from details to not often seen sections of the inside. What do you recommend?

Now this is what the dry season looks like in Antigua Guatemala; sunshine, deep blue skies, beautiful light, cold winds and almost now clouds. As always, follow the white rabbit to see more photos and read about Palacio de los Capitanes Generales of Santiago de Guatemala.

Even though at first I didn’t like the pastel yellow plaster applied to the newly restored Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, now I have to admit it is growing on me.

Here’s the background information about the restoration works:

After two and half years and Q16 millions/$2 millions spent in renovations Palacio de Los Capitanes has finally opened again. The new façade is painted with yellow and white paint. According to an article in Prensa Libre, CNPAG, the entity in charge of restoring and protecting La Antigua Guatemala, also removed 15 tons of extra weight. There is still a second restoration phase quoted at Q14 million more to be done.

If you’re interested in looking at the façade of Palacio de Los Capitanes before the renovations, please follow the white rabbit to the Palacio de Los Capitanes archives.

1. Arches Are Us
2. Visit The Time Tunnel
3. Captains’ Palace at night in Antigua Guatemala
4. Architectonic Details: Arches
5. Leaders of Guatemala’s Independence Movement
6. Municipal Band Concerts on Fridays

One of the benefits of having attended the Antigua Guatemala Brand launching event was to have unlimited access to the inside of the newly restored Palacio de los Capitanes building. Certainly you remember the recent pages which showed you the new look of the palace after the restoration works, right? If not check out New Illumination for Palacio de Los Capitanes and New Look of Palacio de Los Capitanes. You can also browse all the previous pages about Palacio de los Capitanes (Palace of the Captains) to see before and after photographs.

Today’s photo, however, is the first time I have shown the inside of Palacio de los Capitanes and the wonderful restoration work. Also, pay attention to the dramatic illumination that was installed as part of the restoration work. What do you think, do you like the restoration work so far?

Come back tomorrow if you want to learn the latest news regarding what will be the use for Palacio de los Capitanes building. Below I leave you with the background information regarding the restoration as previously published in AntiguaDailyPhoto.

After two and half years and Q16 millions/$2 millions spent in renovations Palacio de Los Capitanes has finally opened again. The new façade is painted with yellow and white paint. According to an article in Prensa Libre, CNPAG, the entity in charge of restoring and protecting La Antigua Guatemala, also removed 15 tons of extra weight. There is still a second restoration phase quoted at Q14 million more to be done.

After two and half years and Q16 millions/$2 millions spent in renovations Palacio de Los Capitanes has finally opened again. The new façade is painted with yellow and white paint. According to an article in Prensa Libre, CNPAG, the entity in charge of restoring and protecting La Antigua Guatemala, also removed 15 tons of extra weight. There is still a second restoration phase quoted at Q14 million more to be done.

If you’re interested in looking at the façade of Palacio de Los Capitanes before the renovations, please follow the white rabbit to the Palacio de Los Capitanes archives.

1. Arches Are Us
2. Visit The Time Tunnel
3. Captains’ Palace at night in Antigua Guatemala
4. Architectonic Details: Arches
5. Leaders of Guatemala’s Independence Movement
6. Municipal Band Concerts on Fridays

Here’s once again my dear friend Nelo being such an accomodating model for my take on Antigua Guatemala’s version of El Mariachi (Desperado).

I hope you like it. Let me know your thoughts either way!

A creative framing on a quiet afternoon with just the right amount and kind of people and we get a post card from the past. Of course I could Photoshop out a couple things to make even more convincing, but I am sure most people will not notice them anyway.

What do you think? Do you feel as if you were looking into the past? Do you like this perspective of all the arches of Palacio de los Capitanes?

Below you can browse additional posts of Palacio de los Capitanes:

1. Arches Are Us
2. Visit The Time Tunnel
3. Captains’ Palace at night in Antigua Guatemala
4. Architectonic Details: Arches
5. Leaders of Guatemala’s Independence Movement
6. Municipal Band Concerts on Fridays

El Palacio de los Capitanes building has to be one of my favorites edifices with lots of arches; and you know I love Arches. I also love repetition so it is no wonder that often have tried to capture the arching repetition found in the Captains’ Palace as well as in other buildings with mix results.

Here are some of my attempts, let me know which you like the best:

1. Visit The Time Tunnel
2. Captains’ Palace at night in Antigua Guatemala
3. Architectonic Details: Arches
4. Leaders of Guatemala’s Independence Movement
5. Municipal Band Concerts on Fridays

[gmap]

What’s inside this passageway?

1. The largest fountain in Central America
2. Ruins of a monastery
3. Mayan arches used in colonial architecture
4. Access to the rooftop of La Merced Church
5. All of the above
6. None of the above

Please, help us determined what’s inside the passageway by sharing your answers in the comments area.

Like many firsts of the month, AntiguaDailyPhoto is participating in the theme day of the City Daily Photo community around the world. To see how others in the City Daily Photo community have interpreted today’s theme please click here to view thumbnails for all participants around the planet.

Without the letter “A”

Without you we won’t even have sadness
To lament.
Without you, no longing till death
Or even weeping
For there is no weeping
And love?
Love will disappear.
And love?
No one will remember to remember.
And love?
If it’s lost, no one will be moved to move by a glance.
And love?
Empty word no one will make
Will make love
Will make love
Will make love

(From a children’s stage-play by Elifas Andreato called Sem Você não “A”, in which the letter “A” runs away from the alphabet. -Zé)

So, what kind activities are done in Guatemala to celebrate Independence Day?

Most people in Guatemala often say that Guatemalans are not very “patriotic” and immediately mention how patriotic the Mexicans really are: “that’s really patriotism!” Having said that, you can begin to see the first glances of Independence Day activities back in July, or earlier, with student bands practices (#1). Of course, there is plenty of Independence Day bunting everywhere since the first days of September and a lot of street vendors selling flags in all shades of blue, even though only one blue is the official (#2). One week before September 15, there are student parades from pre-primary to high school on the streets of every town in the country (#3). Don’t forget the marathons with their patriotic torches(#4). In every school, government building and town’s main plaza there are Pledges of Alliance to the Flag, although here we call it Juramiento a la bandera, and the singing of Guatemala’s National Anthem recitals; check out last year’s Libre al viento tu hermosa bandera to read Guatemala’s National Anthem in English (#5). In some towns, there are enactments of the Signing of Independence Act (#6). On September 15th, at 6 p.m. all over main squares and central parks of Guatemala there is a civic act known as La arriada de la bandera, Haul down of the flag (#7). There are, of course, speeches remembering the signing of the Independence Act and how many years has been thus far (188) since 1821 (#8). Last but not least, the burning of firecracker bombs, firecrackers and fireworks, which may include Torito firecracker burnings (#9). I am certain that I am forgetting something. Please, feel free to tell me what I missed in the comments.

That’s what Guatemalans, who are not very “patriotic”, do to celebrate their Independence Day. So, do you still consider Guatemalans as unpatriotic?

On September 14 10, people from all over the country begin a marathon to go to another part of the country to get the fire for the Independence Torch in their communities. There are many places the have a torch where other people from other towns can light up their torch to bring back to their own communities. Of course, there are favorite destinations to go and get the Independence Flame and La Antigua Guatemala is one such destination. There are different torches in different locations throughout Guatemala and their respective marathons build a web of people running in all kinds directions at the same time. It is traffic nightmare and it is better to stay home on those date, unless, of course, you are running for your community to fetch the light for your torch.

How do you celebrate Independence Day in your part of the world? Or do you even have such a celebration?

Getting everything ready for Independence Day Celebrations. This torch will light the Independence fire torches from all over Guatemala. These Independence torches will be carried in marathons so that Fire of Independence arrives to all the corners of Guatemala on time before September 15.

La Antigua Guatemala, LAG, draws a large part of its identity from its grid rows of picture-perfect edifices that line the calles and avenidas. Even the briefest of blurbs about LAG do not fail to mention the city’s charming colonial architecture. But, it’s not just the ornate doors, sculpted entryways and varied splashes of color on the outside that make such architecture so inviting. It’s also what lies beyond the anterior walls: lush courtyards of exotic flowers and plants that creep around a central fountain and crawl along the walls and surrounding balconies. One ADP reader, Hilda, described such architectural flair as her ideal: “This is how I’ve always envisioned my dream house! A courtyard in the middle of rooms with open corridors. Lovely!”

Hilda, I must divulge that we share the same dream. And, the exciting thing is, this enticing style is not only abundant in LAG, it’s a part of what defines the city. Personally, I am absolutely enthralled with the idea that you can be at home, in your home, and still be surrounded by plants bursting forth with various hues of the color of life. I am enchanted with the idea that you can look up and see an open sky saturated with the color of freedom. And should the sky darken from the gray clouds of a mounting storm, I am eager to to find a perch at the edge of the courtyard and watch heavy drops splatter upon the flowers and plants. I am eager to breathe in the comforting smell of fresh rain. I am eager to listen to the sky rumble and watch the lightening streak in flashes quicker than I can blink.

By the way, Rudy: there are two balconies framed within an arch. Has that been done yet?

text and photo by Laura McNamara