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This is what the Christmas lighting decoration of Antigua Guatemala’s Parque Central looks like at night. Enjoy the wonderful ambience of the lit main plaza while meeting friend or family or talking to the visitors and the local vendors.
There are many hangouts in Antigua Guatemala such cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, parks, ruins, etc., but Parque Central or main plaza is still the preferred venue for locals and foreigners alike. Don’t you agree?
This is why Parque Central still the most popular venue in Antigua Guatemala after over 500 years of existence:
It’s Friday fun as usual at Parque Central. First, Tamagochy, our local mime, takes his turn to yank smiles and laughs from the audience formed around his “maleta de la alegría” (happiness suitcase) and getting in a very good mood. After his sketch is over the Peruvian musicians take the stage to get people feeling really good about nothing and everything. At four p.m. the Municipal bands performs happy music for two hours. These is enough to lift people’s spirits instantly, don’t you agree?
In my recent incursions to Ciudad Vieja I’ve happily surprised of all the new improvements done around the town. The plazuela right in front of the Ciudad Vieja cathedral is one good example of the new works being performed by the Municipality. I also two municipal pools and improvements to the municipal stadium and children’s park. I guess that when our local governments really do work for the people and not for themselves, one gets to see a lot of progress; don’t you agree?
It’s amazing how people outside Latin America don’t realize that despite the crime and violence that shown through the news, most people in our countries find the time and love to spend quality time with friends and family. This entry was inspired by a recent post in XelaDailyPhoto where Luna talks about Quality Time and a family is shown having fun at the park during Semana Santa.
Luna writes,
Over the Semana Santa weekend, many families retreated to Parque Central to spend quality time together in between the processions, meals and traveling. For some of the smaller members of the family, running laps and chasing doves in the sunshine is enough to ensure a good night’s sleep.
I decided to follow up with one of the favorite activities that people enjoy doing in Antigua Guatemala: Having ice cream at Parque Central. That’s always been the purpose of AntiguaDailyPhoto.com, GuatemalaDailyPhoto.com and XelaDailyPhoto.com; to show how we live and love, to demonstrate that another lifestyle is possible, to highlight where we could improve but without forgetting that we slowly but surely we progress in our own unique sort of way.
This could be your vista if you decide to have breakfast at the terrace of La Casaca coffee shop in Antigua Guatemala. From this vantage point, you can hear the murmur of the people at the Main Plaza, the squeaky sounds of the carriages, the ringing of the bells of the Cathedral on the other side of Parque Central all while sipping the hot and delicious cup of coffee.
I know, life is though in La Antigua Guatemala. 
There’s been live Andean music at the Plaza Mayor for several months thanks to this band who a few times a week set up a live show of classic Latin American songs and covers of popular music played with the distinctive Andean music style. Live music at the park is always a hit and everyone enjoys it. I am glad to see more free culture manifestations at the Main Plaza. Remember that every Friday at 4 p.m. you can enjoy the Municipal Band recital.
Rudy, this site is a great escape, a relevant commentary, and a great documentary all in one. I think your different and unusual photographs are fantastic - an extraordinary view of everyday life... —Eric
