First Posada Navideña of 2020
Let the nine days of posadas navideñas begin. Since this morning, December 15th, there have been sightings of Joseph and Mary’s quest …
This Devil Will Burn in Antigua Guatemala on December 7
The Christmas season in Antigua Guatemala begins with a cleansing pyromaniac ritual by burning the devil which represent all the negative feelings …
Nativity Scene at Capilla de Belén in Antigua Guatemala
This week will have a mini series on Nacimientos, Nativity scenes, a Guatemalan tradition that goes hand in hand with Posadas, the enactment of the search for shelter of Joseph and Mary right before Christmas.
First Antigua Estelar Festival
As part of the First Antigua Estelar Festival we were treated to a night of music recital, theater, plays, astrology talks, body …
Mariachi Music for The Dead
It is quite common in Mesoamerica to bring live music to the graveyards to serenade the dead loved ones. That’s exactly why …
Revisited: Sympathy for the Devil
After spending a week at the emergency room of the IGSS hospital, the Devil is back a few broken bones, but ready …
Día Internacional de los Pueblos Indígenas in Antigua Guatemala
I came across celebrations for “Día Internacional de los Pueblos Indígenas” in and around Antigua Guatemala. Here’s a peak view of one …
QuinTango and Sonidos Para La Vida offered a free concert in Antigua Guatemala
Last Tuesday the renown quintet QuinTango and Sonidos Para La Vida, an organisation with young musicians, offered a free concert at the …
Casa Popenoe Talks — Becoming Wilson Popenoe
This past Thursday Casa Popenoe, immortalised by Louis Adamic in his book “The House in Antigua”, treated several dozen guests to two …
Burning of the Devil Portraits
El hombre propone, Dios dispone y El Diablo lo descompone. What better way to caption these portraits of strangers at the Burning …
Lunch Time on the Streets of Antigua Guatemala
At lunch time one can find stands of food vendors pop up at street corners or around parks in Antigua Guatemala. These …
Devilish woman from Ciudad Vieja
This devilish woman from Ciudad Vieja had just finish her participation in the dance-drama called “Danza de la legión de los 24 …
Fresh and hot bread morning and afternoon
If tortillerías serve freshly made tortillas los tres tiempos, three times a day, panaderías, bakeries, offer freshly made bread twice a day, …
Let’s Celebrate Maximón Day
In Guatemala, Maximón is celebrated on October 28 by those who worship the Maya saint, also known as San Simón. Today, I …
Un Poco de Todo
I believe that the tienda or tiendita, the typical convenience store, is another Guatemalan institution. What’s the item you must often buy …
Free into the wind, your beautiful flag
Here’s Guatemala’s National Anthem in English in case you want sing along next time you hear it. Happy Guatemala, may your altar …
Swing, Blues & Cumbia Tonight in Antigua Guatemala
If you like swing, blues, cumbia or all the above, you are in luck because tonight between 8:30pm – 11pm you can …
Cacao Pods from Guatemala
Chocolate is created from the cocoa bean that come from cacao pods as seen here. Chocolate is quite possibly the most popular …
Agua as Hunahpú and Fuego as Ixbalanqué
Here’s another panoramic vista of volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango during the sunset of this delicious canícula or heat wave, which in …
Ceiba Trees Are Portals to Xibalbá
As I have shared with you before, the ceiba tree (Ceiba pentandra) is very important in Guatemala. For one, the Ceiba tree …
Maximón and Mishito
Here’s your Guatemalan Spanish word of the day: Mishito or kitty or gatito in plain Spanish. Now, the effigy next to the …
We’re Hombres de Maíz
As I have mentioned before, it is impossible to think of the Guatemalan, Mexican and Mesoamerican diet without maize. From the Popul …
It’s Time for Refacción!
Here’s your Guatemalan Spanish word for the day: Refacción o snack time. The Guatemalan labor code allows for two short breaks of …
Barber Shops Around Antigua Guatemala
Here’s your Spanish word of the day: Barbería or barber shop. There are still plenty of barber shops around Antigua Guatemala, especially …
Keeping the Banana Republic Alive
One of the benefits of having a Banana Republic (not the clothing store, but the real thing!) is the tremendous amount of …
The Licuados or Smoothies Culture of Antigua Guatemala
Let’s go grab a licuado! Sweet. Refreshing. Natural. Licuados are one of those treats that truly define a Guatemalan experience. The blended …
Countdown to Carnival Begins in Antigua Guatemala
If case you missed it, yesterday, February 2, was Día de la Candelaria. As I have explained before, around Antigua Guatemala, many …
Special Screening of “Dance of the Maize God” in Antigua Guatemala
Last night I had the opportunity to attend the Special preview screening of the documentary “Dance of the Maize God” by filmmaker …
New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Antigua Guatemala
Yo no olvido al año viejo (I don’t forget the old year) Porque me ha dejado cosas muy buenas: (Because it left …
Christmas Decoration Street Shop
Besides the omnipresent fireworks and firecracker street booths, one can also find Christmas decoration street shops when anyone can pick up Christmas …