Basically, plataninas are green platano/plantains chips. Plantains are like bananas, but much bigger and with a unique flavor. Guatemalans eat platanos in many forms, such as plataninas, rellenitos (deep-fried stuffed platains balls), fritos (fried), atol de platano, chairbroiled and baked; just to name a few. For this entire series, I decided to go as early … Read more
As explained before, poporopos is the Guatemalan Spanish word for popcorn. Most other Spanish-speaking countries use palomitas. I believe Guatemala is the only country that uses the word poporopos. Poporopos are also one the staple foods at town fairs.
Today we will begin our Spanish lesson with some very important Guatemalan Spanish words: Poporopos, Plataninas, Papalinas and Churros. Poporopos: This is the Guatemalan Spanish for pop corn. Most other Spanish-speaking countries use palomitas. I believe Guatemala is the only country that uses the word poporopos. Plataninas: Basically, plataninas are green platano/plantains chips. Plantains are … Read more
Just as in other celebrations, Lent has a food that is sold at the food stalls out side where velación, vigil, is held. Some of the food is also found during other celebrations such buñuelos which I believe were first covered during the Christmas season. Here we see the king of buñuelos preparing the first … Read more
We are so fortunate in Antigua Guatemala to have a fresh plentiful supply of tropical fruits all year long. And quite inexpensive as well; for instance, two huge papayas go for Q25 / $3. I believe this fruit bonanza is also the reason why there is a licuado culture and tradition in Guatemala. What fruits … Read more
Often we see people fixing their roof during the dry season to prepare for the six to seven months of rain that we endure in Antigua Guatemala.
It was almost a decade since this parish was last painted, the only gothic church in and around Antigua Guatemala. I will try to make new photos with the sunset light to get the rich warm colors to pop out and with better perspective. Stay tune! Hacía casi diez años desde la última vez que … Read more
I plate like this will set you back Q20/$2.50 in the main square of San Felipe de Jesús, a great locale for trying out all sorts of Guatemalan street food and delicacies. Also, around the main square of San Felipe de Jesús, one of the villages to the north of Antigua Guatemala, one can find … Read more
Here’s another take on one of my favorite wall in Antigua Guatemala. If you’re in town, don’t miss this wall on the south side of the San Francisco El Grande church; this is the same street that takes to El Calvario.
Just as cucuruchos and processions are the staple imagery of Lent and Holy Week in La Antigua Guatemala, so are the photographers who arrive for this very special time of the year. Who can blame them for trying to capture colorful and dramatic images of the largest Lenten celebration in the world. And just when … Read more
My advice is to always carry a camera with you and I mean ALWAYS. You don’t know when you will get a photo opportunity like this one I had while going to a meeting in ruins of Las Capuchinas. In nearly seven years of documenting the life and architecture of Antigua Guatemala every day, I … Read more
It’s impossible to miss the Lent, Cuaresma we call it in Spanish, in Antigua Guatemala as you encounter decorations, shrines, carpets, vigils and processions through out the city and villages. Here you see the purple banners hanging from the Ayuntamiento building; that’s city hall for you.
Lent is also the time for shrines, carpets, vigils and processions. Out of nowhere any of these things can appear anywhere and at anytime as was the case for this altar and carpet that in less than 15 minutes showed up right across from the office because in 20 minutes there was going to be … Read more
This is the first vigil of the Lent season with its traditional stalls of chicken sandwiches, the batido drink and other meals which are the beginning of the most special and awaited seasons in Antigua Guatemala. —Nelo Mijangos Ésta es la primera velación en el tiempo de Cuaresma que con las ventas tradicionales de panes … Read more
