Five great festivals and events you don’t want to miss in Guatemala
From religious festivals to national days of celebration, in Guatemala we enjoy getting together and marking the most important days of the year. Our festivals and events are a time to spend time with family and friends, and to enjoy the diverse traditions of our wonderful country.
Here are just a few of the most important festivals and events you don’t want to miss in Guatemala.
1. November 2nd: Festival de Barriletes Gigantes (Day of the Dead Kite Festival)
The Day of The Dead is an important event in some parts of Guatemala. It is a time when families gather in cemeteries up and down the country to remember their loved ones. But this is generally a day of celebration, rather than sad remembrance.
One of the most colourful demonstrations of this happens in Sumpango, where the locals build giant kites. This practice dates back to the days of the ancient Mayans, who believed that the kites were a way of speaking to the dead. You can watch some of the most spectacular kites in action in Sumpango, here.
Of course, the celebration isn’t just about flying kites. It is also a time to spend with family, and for us in Guatemala that always means great food. And one of the main dishes that people eat on the day is a delicious mixed salad.
It is known as fiambre, and usually includes everything from sausages to onions, beetroot, olives, pacaya flowers, chicken and cheeses. It is a unique creation, and a true Guatemalan original.
2. December 13th to the 21st: Fiesta de Santo Tomás
The Fiesta de Santo Tomás celebrates the patron saint of the town of Chichicastenango. The town is well worth a visit at any time of the year. I’ve posted on my blog before about the town’s wonderful market, which is full of traditional Mayan textiles and crafts. But the week of December 13th to the 21st is something truly special.
At the heart of Chichicastenango is the wonderful Santo Tomas Church. This building is a remarkable mix of Catholicism and Mayan religious tradition. During the week of the festival, the square outside the church is packed with tall poles. These are used by flying performers who dance in the air to traditional music.
Of course, there is also plenty of wonderful local food to enjoy and spectacular fireworks as well (this is Guatemala after all!). And while you’re there, don’t forget to climb the 18 steps to the church itself — every step represents one month of the ancient Mayan calendar.
A Guatemalan festival that combines the very best of so many aspects of our culture.
3. Easter, 2020: Semana Santa
If you want to experience a festival that combines the richness of Mayan and Christian symbolism, then Semana Santa in Antigua is a must. Antigua is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year. If you haven’t already, check out my guide to this historic colonial city here.
Semana Santa (or Holy Week) is a real highlight however. The town itself is covered in colourful designs made from sawdust sprinkled on the cobbles. The streets are full of processions and parades. You’ll see people dressed as Roman soldiers, and huge religious effigies. And of course, there is music (and food) everywhere.
4. July, 2020: Festival Folklórico de Cobán
While you might not associate rodeo with Guatemala, the Festival Folklórico de Cobán is a great place to see it. But there is much more on offer here too. This event is a celebration of the local folk traditions of Guatemala and is the perfect place to get a taste of the wonderful variety of our culture.
Cobán is up in the mountains and it makes for a spectacular backdrop to the festivities. You can see everything from noisy parades to exhibitions of folk art throughout the town.
One of the highlights of the event is the crowning of the Rabin Ajau. Mayan girls compete for the crown and the title ‘daughter of the king’. It is a spectacular traditional event, full of colour and music.
5. September 15th 2020: Independence Day
When our country finally declared independence from Spain in 1821, it was a hugely significant moment in Guatemalan history. The Spanish had ruled Guatemala for nearly 300 years, after the Conquistadors landed here in the 1500s. And so today, Independence Day is a moment of national unity and pride.
So what happens on the big day itself? Well, naturally there are flags everywhere. This symbol of our national pride is the backdrop to a wonderful day of national celebration. Schoolchildren sing songs and hold colourful parades.
But Independence Day is also traditionally a time for families to meet and spend quality time together. And it is a day to enjoy some of our very best traditions: eating tortillas, enjoying traditional music and letting off fireworks.
Check out my blog for more information about Guatemala Culture.
