Earth Hour 2010 in Antigua Guatemala

An hour for the Planet… An hour of no light for the planet; it was celebrated worldwide. Antigua Guatemala did its share, as a city. Some, of course didn’t. Nonetheless the care for our planet should be done 24×7, and not just an hour per year. Of course, I understand all the difficulties of going … Read more

A Photographic Visit to El Mirador…

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Before you think of the largest pyramid in the world and the Mayan ruins complex known as El Mirador, El Petén, this is El Mirador farm located in San Martín Jilotepeque. We ended up there after a talk I gave on basic photography. The members of the Casa de la Cultura, House of Culture, invited me to give a talk about my passion, how could I resist? So, we covered basic theory and practice came after lunch. Little I knew of where we would go; to take photos however new locations are always welcome.

Lunch had been programed at the Granja El Mirador, it was a delicious Caldo de Gallina Criolla. While we ate, Don Meme talked to us about the farm, which is a very interesting integrated farming system, totally self-sustainable. Although the most important aspect of the farm is its social outreach, which as Don Meme said, “there is no point in the technicalities of conserving anything without a strong social component.” Don’t you agree? Because of this, often they are visited by national and international visitors to learn about the family farm.

If you would like to visit them or to learn more about their social outreach, you can write to them at manuelhuz@hotmail.com and nazariohuz@gmail.com. There are a few more photos below to entice you to pay them a visit. Enjoy!

text and photos by Arturo Godoy. Check out Arturo’s portfolio to purchase photos from his massive photographic bank.

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A glance of San Martín Jilotepeque

Aren’t you curious of what else is around Antigua Guatemala besides the famous places? Aren’t you curious of what might you find? Here is a glance of San Martín Jilotepeque, located at some 17 kms north of Chimaltenango. Next time you visit La Antigua Guatemala, venture out and explore the surrounding communities! text and photos … Read more

The Modern Maya

The Maya represent a culture that demonstrates how tradition and technology can thrive together. This Maya woman, dressed in the traditional Mayan falda – or skirt – fills the tank of her scooter at a local gas station: Guatemala truly is the “Land of Contrasts.” I love what it symbolizes… progression without losing the rich … Read more

Acting Against Femicide in Guatemala

Women. They are the subject of these pictures. Why? The gruesome brutality hasn’t stopped. In fact, it has barely dipped. The Latin American Herald Tribune reports that 708 women were violently murdered in Guatemala in 2009. That figure is down compared to the 773 reported violent deaths in 2008, but not by much. There is … Read more

Antigua’s New Year Celebrations Slide Show

Who said New York is the only city that never sleeps? The New Year celebrations is one of the occasions in which Antigua Guatemala does not sleep! I didn’t get much opportunity to take many photographs of the crowds, as it was indeed crowded. It was fun, activities all over, lights all over, people all … Read more

The mime just wants to get married

Often it’s a bit complicated to go out on Sundays because La Antigua Guatemala gets crowded. Two dear friends from El Petén convinced me to go out this particular time to wander around Antigua Guatemala. So, while we were walking and taking pictures, we ran into a mime. Initially, people just kept passing by and … Read more

Visiting San Felipe de Jesús on the Weekends

San Felipe de Jesús is just a small town next to La Antigua Guatemala, which has its own particularities. San Felipe’s church is gothic, its market is cozy, there are many options to have some delicious food… So, why not pay a visit to San Felipe on a Saturday or Sunday? I guess I am … Read more

How about being contagious?

How do you get people infected with good stuff? I mean, it is difficult for foreigners to visit Guatemala, and, sometimes, that’s even true for Guatemalans living overseas. Taking on a lesson from our friend Iván Castro, we can only do it by getting everyone infected with good stuff. So, here is one of my … Read more

40th Anniversary of the National Council for the Protection of Antigua

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The wonderful celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the National Council for the Protection of Antigua was held on Nov 20th at Capuchinas ruins. The evening began with warm words on behalf of different members of the Council. They covered the history of the Council and also included words for the future.

Unfortunately I arrived late to listen to all the words, but you could see the smiles on many people that were present. Everyone payed attention, and of course, how couldn’t you, Antigua is what it is because there is people that truly care to keep this City as it is.

And, as if words were not enough, the Procurador de Derechos Humanos and other public figures were present. The words of Dr. Sergio Fernando Morales provided an even more warming atmosphere, talking about our challenges, our opportunities and of course our future as Guatemalans.

The Orquesta Sin Fronteras amused the night even more. People were hypnotized, as I simply tried to focus on working my camara to capture the moments. It was amazing, great music, great choreography, all combined with great lights.

The evening was just perfect, it was a tribute to Antigua itself, by people that just love it.

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The Gatekeeper

Sometimes the ride from Guate city (la capital) to LAG takes a bit longer than expected and then there is not enough time to visit some of the interesting places. Or at least you end up finishing your pie de ayote or pie de higo by closing time, and then between getting some clay lantern … Read more

Best View: Arguable, Best Michelada: Hands Down

The most obvious draw to dining at Café Sky is the view. Those camped out on the restaurant’s rooftop terrace can spot Volcanoes, Cerro de la Cruz, Tanque de la Unión and the Church of San Fransisco El Grande (pictured) from the high vantage point. A local magazine even claims the restaurant has the best … Read more

Wandering around Mesón Panza Verde

I spent four months in La Antigua before I finally ventured to Mesón Panza Verde, one of the most renowned restaurants in La Antigua Guatemala. Yoga classes are what drew me… and I finally learned what the hype is all about. The restaurant/hotel is a stunning old house of brick, stone and fine wood. Plants … Read more