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). The ceremony include several solemn activities like Juramento a la bandera (pledge alliance to the flag); Canto del Himno Nacional de Guatemala (Singing … Read more
Okay, how many shades of blue have you seen in the Guatemalan flag presented this month at La Antigua Guatemala Daily Photo? Which blue is the official color?
Even though Guatemala’s Independence is celebrated on September 15th and the days prior to that date, in reality Guatemala’s independence is observe throughout September with flags and civic acts in schools. As you can see in the picture above, flags hang from many windows and balconies at Calle del Arco. You can also look for … Read more
La Antigua Guatemala is so full of antique signs that you can find while strolling around the ruins, buildings and parks. Today’s picture is no exception. The sign can be found at the Captains’ Palace and it reads: Palace of the General Captains of the Kingdom of Goathemala, which during 231 years this city served … Read more
I am sure that most people that visit La Antigua Guatemala get to see the fountain at the Main Square; some might even seat around the benches to contemplate the artistic and erotic hidden messages revealed by the ancient wail of the sirens’ allure. But, I am almost sure, almost nobody comes across this little … Read more
To answer MO’s questions: There are four identical mermaids (sirenas in Spanish), give or take the normal wear. These are not the original mermaids designed by Arquitecto Mayor Diego de Porres in 1738-1739; these are new replicas. You can find the original mermaids inside the Museo de Armas (Old Weapons Museum) right across Central Park, … Read more
September has been one of the rainiest month thus far, but you would not know it by looking at the recent daily photos, right? Well, around Guatemala’s Independence Day on September 15th, we were lucky to have a few dry days or with very little rain. Today’s capture was taken at the heart of La … Read more
As close as we are to Fuego and Acatenango Volcanoes, Volcán de Agua (Water volcano) is the one you see almost at the end of every street (to be precise I should say avenues). Volcán de Agua, located south of Antigua, is the only compass you need while strolling around La Antigua Guatemala.
It’s easy to forget, after a while, how close we live to an active volcano in La Antigua Guatemala. The volcano you see in the background is Volcán de Acatenango, which is a doble-cone volcano. To the left of Acatenango volcano is Volcán de Fuego (Fire Volcano) which is active and quite possibly the most … Read more
These little pre-primary school girls looked so cute with their uniforms for Independence Day Celebrations. I had to get the camera all the way on the floor to be able to catch them as they stride to find the position of their school in front of the Cathedral, in Central Park. I really like the … Read more
I have other photos from the Guatemala’s Independence Day Celebrations which I would like to share with you and since September is still Independence Month in Guatemala, I guess I can be excused, right? In the picture above you can see the bunting at Palacio de los Capitanes (The Captains’ Palace) which now is undergoing … Read more
This Guatemalan stew takes its name from its yellow-orangy color. Amarillo is the Spanish word for yellow; those living in Texas probably know this. Once again you see the patter, a stew based on tomato sauce and other vegetable from the milpa. This amarillo stew had green beans, carrots, bell peppers slices, potatoes and a … Read more
Okay, get your Guatemalan notebook handy, we’re about to learn a few Guatemalan words and concepts. Rabo Guisado translate roughly as ox tail stew: rabo would be the ox tail and guisado would be stew. The first time I learned about how all these dishes based on entrails, guts, and left-overs of animals came to … Read more
Tacos is yet another word shared by the Guatemalan and Mexican gastronomy. If you’re accustomed to Mexican dishes, you have to be careful when ordering your meals in Guatemala because, unless you’re in a Mexican restaurant, often the names of food refer to totally different dishes. Okay Rudy, I am vaguely understanding what you saying … Read more
First of all, click the play button below. It’s the sound track for this entry. It’s been a while since I presented you with a Guatemalan cuisine sampler, right? To be exact, it was February 19th, 2007 (go check it out). We will have a little fun with this Guatemalan food sampler photo. ONE: Tell … Read more