There Goes 2008
That’s it. As the sun sets today we will be waving goodbye to 2008. I want to take this opportunity to thank …
Clouds and Water Volcano in Harmony
Volcanoes and clouds have a harmonious relationship. Often you see volcanoes surrounded by clouds. It looks like volcanoes have magnetism which attracts …
Chicharrones, Chicharrines and Carnitas, Anyone, Anyone?
Carnita is the Guatemalan Spanish word for chunks of meat from pork. Chicharrón is the word for pork rinds or deep-fried pork …
Where Are You Taking Me?
Oh please, please, can somebody explain to me where did these tacky dancing Disney figures come from and how they became such …
Guatemalan Christmas Decorations: Corderos de Pashte
You saw the lambs made from dried corn husks just a few days ago. Then you saw the Spanish moss or pashte …
Guatemalan Christmas Decorations: Aserrín
Aserrín (sawdust) is used often in Guatemala for decorations, especially the world famous Holy Week carpets. Sawdust is dyed with bright colors …
Everyone Burns Firecrackers in Guatemala for Christmas
Christmas Day is a very quiet and easy-going day in Guatemala. But, it does not begins like that. On the contrary, right …
Guatemalan Christmas Decorations: El Nacimiento
Right at midnight on December 24th/25th, baby Jesus is put in the Nacimiento scene set up on December 8th (do you remember?). …
Guatemalan Christmas Decorations: Las Posadas
On December 23rd the quest for lodging or the act of pedir posada ends and marks the beginning of preparations for Christmas …
Guatemalan Christmas Decorations: Pashte
One of the most important decorations for the nacimientos is the pashte; also known as paxtle, paste, pastle, or simply heno, which …
Guatemalan Christmas Decorations: Musgo
Musgo is the Spanish word for moss. Musgo is used for the nacimiento scenes (nativities scenes) in Guatemala. You buy musgo by …
Guatemalan Christmas Decorations: Cordones de Pino
As I said at the very beginning of the Guatemalan Christmas Decoration series, the pine tree provides many elements of the Christmas …
Guatemalan Christmas Decorations: Pajilla
Paja (straw) or pajilla (little straw) are also found in the nativity scenes in the Guatemalan homes known as nacimientos in Spanish. …
Guatemalan Christmas Decorations: Corderos de Tusa
We’re Hombres de Maíz. Follow the white rabbit and you’ll know why! Corderos (lambs) made from tusa (dried corn husk) are very …
Guatemalan Christmas Decorations: Gallitos
These tree parasites are known as gallitos or patas de gallo. Once again, I am going to abuse from your kindness and …
