With the Feast for the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, antigüeños begin putting up their Nacimientos (Nativity Scenes); a tradition that was brought to Guatemala by Santo Hermano Pedro de Betancourt and then spread to the rest of America (the continent). One important aspect of nacimientos is that baby Jesus should be … Read more
I am not famous because I am one of the few chupeteros left in Antigua Guatemala. I am famous because I am Sandro, the chupetero above declared. I am glad some people keep their ego in check.
Today’s picture is an unusual perspective, perhaps even an original take on the chupetes which are normally photographed like this. Well, you know me, always looking for ways to bring you fresh imagery from Antigua Guatemala. By the way, do you know what chupete means? Well, the Guatemalan Spanish word “chupete” has several meanings from … Read more
As I have mentioned before, La Antigua Guatemala is quite possibly the most cosmopolitan city in Central America; especially regarding its international cuisine offerings. In Antigua Guatemala one can find Philly cheese steak sandwiches, shorma kebab pita sandwiches, curries, shish kebabs, Chinese food, sushi, Indian cuisine, Mexican food, et cetera. Thai food, unfortunately, is the … Read more
I read that the significance of the blooming of magnolias represents the end of Winter and beginning of Spring. Well, we’re about 10 days away from the commencement of the Winter season in the Northern Hemisphere where La Antigua Guatemala is located and Magnolias are just beginning to bloom, which means that we are having … Read more
There are over 200,000 lights over the trees of La Antigua’s main square. These are the main Christmas lights decorations you will find in Antigua Guatemala. These Christmas lights will illuminate the Parque Central during the Navidad season. For extra bonus points, what date is Christmas season over in La Antigua Guatemala?
Today I am sharing a simple image with the things that one often encounters while strolling around Antigua Guatemala. I am sure I am not the only one who enjoys looking at the repetition and texture created by the tejas or the terra-cotta Spanish tile roofs. The cúpulas (cupolas) has to be among the most … Read more
Cucurrucucú, cucurrucucú, Cucurrucucú, cucurrucucú, cucurrucucú, paloma, ya no le llores… Here are the lyrics for “Cucurrucucú paloma” in Spanish. Enjoy the English translation for this famous song below. Dicen que por las noches no más se le iba en puro llorar; dicen que no comía, no más se le iba en puro tomar. Juran que … Read more
Back in May 2008 I shared the first of photo of this old man from the high lands of Guatemala who comes down to Antigua Guatemala to sell his creations, mostly carved angels, but sometimes even saints. I really admire this artisan who can barely speaks Spanish, yet he launches every week to the streets … Read more
On December 7 at 6pm the burning the devil and the bad spirits in a cleansing ceremony through the purifying power of fire is held in Guatemala. La Antigua Guatemala is one of the few places where you can get together with hundreds of people to burn the devil. The origins of the Quema del … Read more
I don’t know about you, but I really like the tastefulness of these antique and rustic candleholders. In fact, I believe, that one must have a liking for the aesthetic of rustic and antique to appreciate the beauty of the architecture and art often found in Antigua Guatemala. Don’t you agree?
Ever wonder how they go about cleaning the façades of the churches around Antigua Guatemala. Here’s one such image showing how they clean and dust off the main arches of Parroquía de San José, commonly known as cathedral of Antigua Guatemala or simply la catedral. By the way, most cleaning and new paint jobs are … Read more
When was the last time you had cotton candy? If you’re visiting Guatemala now or live here, chances are you will encounter cotton candy vendors at parks and town fairs. One sure place to find these sweets at Parque de La Merced.
In La Antigua Guatemala, I believe, that nothing can rival the baroque stucco art found on the façade of Iglesia de La Merced. There are other baroque fachadas (façades) in Antigua Guatemala, but honestly, the yellow and white stucco found in La Merced is by far the most baroque of all. One more thing I … Read more
Nacimientos are Nativity (Navidad in Spanish) scenes shrines made to celebrate during the December until Christmas or Navidad in Spanish. On December 8th, the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated and with this the ‘Religious Christmas Season’ is officially started. For those who are not well verse in Catholic imagery, myself included, normally the … Read more