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Holy Week in Antigua Guatemala is a sensory and spiritual experience, filled with the scent of incense, the rhythmic sound of the tzijolaj, and the vibrant artistry of intricate sawdust carpets. This cherished celebration, steeped in devotion, honors the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through majestic processions that weave through the city’s cobblestone streets.

Discover the Enchanting Semana Santa (Holy Week) Schedule in Antigua Guatemala for 2024. Rooted in the profound traditions of the Catholic Church, the Easter Week festivities unfold in Antigua Guatemala on Viernes de Dolores (Friday of Sorrows). It's worth noting that the schedule may be subject to adjustments, so it's advisable to verify details with local churches.

Columbus Day, known as Día de la Raza (Day of the Race) in Guatemala and in many Latin American countries, holds a complex and multifaceted significance for the region. Depending on one's cultural perspective, this day goes by different names like "Día de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Day)," "Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Indigenous Resistance Day)," and more.

In Guatemala, a demonym is used to distinguish its inhabitants and identify their regions of origin. The term "Guatemaltecos" refers to people who were born in Guatemala, have lived there for some time, or have familial roots in the country. However, there is also a specific demonym to recognize the natives of each department, contributing to their sense of identity within Guatemala and their respective regions.

Antigua Guatemala is once again the host of the Festival of Flowers. It's been six years since this festival for all lovers of nature, local culture and the natural color of Guatemalan flowers. A festival that every year shows growth and interest, not only by local citizens, but also by tourists, merchants and artists alike.

Schedule for Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Antigua Guatemala for 2022, following Catholic Church’s tradition, Easter Week begins in Antigua Guatemala on Friday of Sorrows (Viernes de Dolores) representing the crucifixion sentence of Jesus Christ. The following dates are based on the Gregorian calendar for 2022 Easter Week in Antigua Guatemala.

For many of the visitors to Antigua Guatemala, yoga is a practice that harmoniously connects the mind and body. Many times, for a traveler, relaxing and disconnecting from their day to day is also one of their main goals when traveling, although it is not always entirely easy. That is why we dedicate a brief note to our visitors so that they can find a couple of options to continue practicing yoga while staying in this beautiful city.

The word "Amigo" (friend) is a word that we all know very well and is undoubtedly widely used in any language, but it is especially used frequently in Latin America, and in particular in Antigua Guatemala. If you have visited the city, you will have noticed that it is a term used in many ways. We explain a little about its different uses.

In the sacred book or the bible of the K'iche Mayans, the name of Ixquic is well known, this goddess is also known as Xkik 'or Mayan mother goddess of the Underworld Xibalba, she is the one who gave birth as a virgin to two twin gods called Hunahpú and Ixbalanqué. The beliefs of the Mayans about death consisted that, when they died, they only left the earthly level to go to another, and one of these levels is the Mayan underworld called "Xibalbá"

In the second part of the Popol Vuh, he takes us to an era before the creation of man in ancient times where only the gods existed, and he tells us the story of two twin Mayan gods called Hunahpu and Ixbalanque, known as heroes for defeating evil.

Hunab Ku is a Mayan divinity, recognized within this culture as "The Only God". His name, in Mayan, is Hunab Ku, which translates "solitary god"; his roots are "hunab", which means solo, and Ku, which means plumage. Hunab Ku in the Mayan religion was very important because they considered it the heart that coordinated the entire universe, it was the source of energy that connected all living beings and who transmitted the information of everything.

Ixchel represents women and femininity in the Mayan culture. Also known as the Goddess of the Moon, Ixchel according to Mayan mythology is the goddess of love, pregnancy, water, textile work and even medicine. She is one of the most important goddesses of the Mayans because of her different powers. This goddess is the wife of the solar god and is identified with the goddess I. She has been portrayed with a rabbit next to her.

Despite being one of the most important Mayan gods in its history, there is not much to say about him. Also known as Zamná, Itzamna is the God of the Sky, Ruler of Day and Night. According to legend, this God taught the Mayan civilization the use of language, take care of the Corn and using calendars, among many other things.

Yum Kaax, is a name in the Mayan language to represent the god or deity of wild vegetation and as well as the guardian of its animals. He is known by other names such as Ah Mun, Yum K’aaz or Yum Uil according to other Mayan languages. This Mayan God is continually confused with the Corn God (God Eh).

The Mayan culture stood out for its art, mathematics, astronomy and especially for its polytheistic religion, which means that they believed in many gods. In Guatemala the ruins, handicrafts and customs are witness to the mark left by the Mayans in today's culture.

WorryDolls or Muñequitas Quita Pena have been very popular in Guatemala for a long time due to the ancient beliefs and mythology of the post-Mayan era. Currently you can find these dolls at any handicraft market in Guatemala. These little dolls are characterized by being very small, their design represents the indigenous women of the region and they are called "chamulitas" since they belong to the "Chamula" ethnic group of Guatemala.

Guatemalan Hojaldra is a delicious traditional Guatemalan toast, very similar to champurradas. They are very easy and quick to prepare, as well as being ideal to enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in the middle of the afternoon.

The famous "champurradas" are basically large cookies with sesame seeds on top. This simple yet delicious shortbread cookie has a round, flat, toasted shape. You can enjoy them for breakfast or as a dessert with a hot coffee.

We continue with the series of words commonly used in the kitchen in Guatemala and Latin America. Either to share with friends and family speaking in Spanish. Or following a recipe, here we share useful words and phrases for you to continue learning the Spanish language.

Guava Rings (known in Spanish as Colochos de Guayaba) are traditional Guatemalan sweets, and this one in particular is originally from Antigua Guatemala. These different and delicious sweets first emerged during Holy Week a long time ago, but over time this candy became popular throughout Guatemala.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua Guatemala for 2021, following Catholic Church’s long time tradition, Holy Week begins in Guatemala on Friday of Sorrows (known as Viernes de Dolores in Spanish) day that represents the crucifixion sentence of Jesus Christ. The following dates are based on the Gregorian calendar for 2021 Easter Week in Antigua Guatemala.

Nicknames or "apodos" in Latin America and Guatemala are very common, they are regularly associated with a personal characteristic. But many these nicknames in Spanish language are specifically related to the personal name.

The Corozo Flower (Scheelea Preussi buret. Arecaceae) is found in humid forests of Guatemala, and other regions of Central America. This flower, together with sawdust, incense and pine, form the traditional aroma of Holy Week (Easter Week) in Antigua Guatemala. Its strong and delicious aroma announces the beginning of the Lenten season in Guatemala.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua Guatemala 2020, following Catholic Church’s long time tradition, Holy Week begins on Friday of Sorrows (Viernes de Dolores) day that represents the crucifixion sentence of Jesus. The following dates based on the Gregorian calendar for 2020 Easter Week in Antigua Guatemala.

A devil made of paper, wood and cloth. A devil of an intense red color, in a thoughtful position, thinking the answer to the public complaint. This devil represents a satire of the country's politics.

Guatemala is internationally recognized for the art of its traditional fabrics, made with great richness in color and detail, using quality materials. Despite the influences of globalization, the indigenous people of Guatemala continue to use ancient techniques to produce their textiles and traditional costumes.

The giant kites of Santiago and Sumpango are part of the tradition, culture and history of Guatemala. The "All Saints' Day" is celebrated every November in Guatemala, and in Sumpango and Santiago villages in Sacatepequez, people celebrate this important date by raising the "Giant Kites" to heaven.

The famous Guatemalan dish and recipe we all each on November 1st in Guatemala for ‘All Saints Day’ (El Día de Todos Los Santos), a day before the ‘Dia de Los Muertos’. We have shared the Red Fiambre recipe in previous post, and today we would like to tell you about the White Fiambre, which is quite similar, but not the same.

Lago de Atitlán (name in Spanish) is one of the most visited sites in Guatemala (after Antigua Guatemala Colonial City, which is the most visited city in Guatemala), and considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Guatemalans are passionate and devoted to their culture and history, and the celebration of Independence Day is no exception. Every September 15, since 1821, Guatemalans proudly celebrate "Independence Day".

El Mirador is undoubtedly one of the largest and most important Mayan cities, not to mention that it is also one of the oldest archeological sites in the world. It is located in the middle of a thick and almost unexplored jungle, in the municipality of San Andrés, Peten. The buildings and structures of this ancient Mayan city are part of the "Late Preclassic" period of Mayan history. Name The Mirador (The Viewer) was given by the way it was first discovered in 1926.

Antigua Guatemala is known as one of the most fascinating cities in Latin America, not only for its historical heritage of the Spanish colony centuries ago, but also for its rich Mayan ancestral culture, as well as being an exhibition center for contemporary art.

The Cathedral of Antigua Guatemala is also named The Parish of San José. The construction of this church began in 1542 and was one of the first buildings to be constructed after the destruction of the first Guatemala capital in the valley of Almolonga, the cathedral was inaugurated in 1545.

The Portal del Comercio, also known by the citizens of Antigua Guatemala as the "Portal of Las Panaderas", is located in the center of the colonial city, opposite the central park and opposite the Cathedral of Antigua Guatemala. This portal houses many important businesses, among these are restaurants, coffee shops, banks, book sales, and traditional Guatemalan souvenir shops.

The city of Antigua Guatemala is well known for its rich history and culture. A colonial city with many cultural attractions, but none as famous as the “Arco de Santa Catalina” (Santa Catalina Arch), located at 5 Avenida Norte.

When you travel to Antigua Guatemala or any other Spanish-speaking city, one of the first things you have to know is how to ask for prices and costs. Each country has its own idioms, but in general we share some basic terms.

Delicious sweet-touch buns, typical of Lent in Antigua Guatemala. In many places, these Lenten Rolls are traditionally prepared on Good Friday. In Spanish these have different names, such as “Pan Dulce de Cuaresma (Easter Sweet Bread)”, “Bollo de Pascua (Easter Bun)”, “Easter Muffin” or the well known "Pan de La Cruz (Cross Cake)”. Although this semi-sweet bread is typical of Guatemala during Holy Week, it is also produced by many bakeries every weekend in Antigua Guatemala.

The Cucuruchos are Catholic people who wear a purple dress called "Túnica", who participate in processions that take place during Lent and Holy Week in Antigua Guatemala and Guatemala. A 'Cucurucho' can be a man or a woman, although the women 'cornet' are also called Devota Loader. The activity of the Cucuruchos stands out for carrying the processions, but also for listening to and accompanying the processional marches and performing contemplative prayers of gratitude, forgiveness and patience to God.

Jesus Nazareno de La Merced represents the image of the devotion of the Catholics of Antigua Guatemala. It is the most awaited procession during the Holy Week, each year makes the penitential tour every Holy Friday (Good Friday). Thousands of parishioners, from very early hours of the morning, come to observe the processional journey, this is adorned with the already well-known Holy Week carpets that are elaborated with a lot of dedication and hard work.

One of the many Catholic traditions related to the feast of Holy Week is the creation of "altars of veiling" or "Lenten altar". As an honor to the images of veneration that will make their processional journey through the streets of Antigua Guatemala, the Brotherhoods of the different Catholic and Parish Churches prepare Solemn Velaciones to the images of Jesus Nazareno; Jesus Buried; Virgen de Dolores and Virgen de Soledad, among others.

Seventh and last post on villages around Antigua Guatemala ( Sacatepequez Guatemala ), We share for this last one a very brief introduction about the last two villages these are Santa Ana and Santa Lucia Milpas Altas. There are many other villages around Antigua Guatemala, but have shared the most relevant ones.

Sixth post on villages around Antigua Guatemala ( Sacatepequez Guatemala ), We share a brief introduction about each of these villages every week. For this sixth article we’ll include two small villages, these are Alotenango, and Santa Ines del Monte Pulciano.

Fifth post on villages around Antigua Guatemala ( Sacatepequez Guatemala ), we will talk about two villages per week. For this fifth article we’ll include two small but important villages, these are Pastores and San Miguel Dueñas, both are quite worth to learn from and visiting.

Fourth post on villages around Antigua Guatemala, In this series of articles, we will talk about two villages per week. For this fourth article we’ll include two towns, Santa Maria de Jesus and the well known Ciudad Vieja, which has a one or two interesting things to learn about.

Third post on villages around Antigua Guatemala, In these series of articles, we will talk about two each week. For this third article, we’ll include two towns, San Felipe de Jesus and the well know Jocotenango whose history influenced other villages around the colonial city.

Second post on villages around Antigua Guatemala, worth visiting with quite interesting attractions for visitors each one of them. In these series of articles, we will talk about two each week. For this second article, we’ll include two towns, San Juan del Obispo and San Antonio Aguas Calientes.

There are several villages around Antigua Guatemala, worth visiting with quite interesting attractions for visitors, each has a lot of colonial and religious history. In these series of articles, we will talk about two each week. For this first article, we’ll include two towns, San Pedro Las Huertas and San Bartolomé Becerra.

Semana Santa in Antigua Guatemala or Holy Week 2019, according to the Catholic Church tradition, Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) when Jesus enters Jerusalem and is received with palm leaves. The following dates based on the Gregorian calendar for 2019 Easter Week in Antigua Guatemala.

The Nativity Scene or “Nacimiento (as known in Guatemala)” is the representation of Baby Jesus’ birth displayed near the Christmas tree in homes of Catholic families in Guatemala. Thousands of Guatemalans carry out this tradition of assembling the scene in late November, a task that may take a few days, to be ready for December 8th.

We are proud to say that we have been teaching Spanish language in Antigua Guatemala for over 33 years, working hard and with dedication, striving every day to improve our work.

Like the traditional Guatemalan tamales, the Guatemalan Christmas Tamales are an essential dish on the table for Christmas Dinner in Guatemala, a culinary gift to share with family and loved ones.

The Christmas Posadas tradition (Las Posadas de Navidad) in Antigua Guatemala is another strong tradition in Guatemalan culture and it is part of the end of the year holiday celebrations. Las Posadas begin on December 16th ton end on December 24th (nine nights before Christmas).

We welcome the Christmas season. These are moments of peace, joy and sharing with your loved ones.

Burning of the Devil (La Quema del Diablo) The popular tradition in Guatemala held every year on December 7th, at 6:00 pm. Families make bonfires on the street, in front of their houses to burn the image of the Devil.

Guatemalan coffee is characterized by artisan history and tradition of centuries. Our volcanic soils as well as warm and humid micro-climates enrich the flavors of a coffee known all over the world. Guatemala’s coffee is known to be one of the best in the work.

Including ‘French bread’ (Pan Frances) and ‘sweet bread’ (Pan Dulce) on the table is one of the strongest culinary customs in Guatemala and Antigua Guatemala is no exception. The French Bread accompanies some of the typical dishes of Guatemala, especially the well known Tamal (Tamale).

Guatemala is characterized by keeping a wide array of colorful traditions, and the famous Hot Fruit Punch (Ponche de Frutas as known in Guatemala) is one of them. This is a traditional hot drink for Christmas time (Navidad or Noche Buena as known in Guatemala).

On November 1st, Guatemala celebrates All Saints’ Day, a very traditional and colorful festivity in Guatemala, on this day the Giant Kites event takes place in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepequez (click here to learn more about this date) and families and close friends get together to enjoy delicious national dishes, the Sweet Pumpkin (Dulce de Ayote) is one of them.

On November 1st of each year, on All Saints' Day in Guatemala, the well-known tradition of the Giant Kite Festival is celebrated. This colorful tradition admired by locals and tourists alike, takes place in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepequez, Guatemala.

The popular Guatemala dish we all enjoy every year on November 1st, which is ‘All Saints Day’ (El Día de Todos Los Santos), a day before the ‘Dia de Los Muertos’. Some say that this dish is an offering for a particular date of the year. But the history tell us the real origin of this popular Guatemalan dish and recipe.

Guatemala tradition on handicrafts dates back to pre-Hispanic times. Handicrafts covers all work or work done by hand, without the support of any kind of machinery. These handmade works produce costumes or clothing, some decorative, but most of them are utilitarian objects.

The traditional Guatemalan clothing is well known to be perhaps the most colorful of all the typical costumes in Latin America, in particular, the Highlands of Guatemala are the most popular ones. These costumes vary a lot and it depends on the region, each design has been influenced by history.

Guatemala is a multi-ethnic and multilingual country, the country is divided into four ‘Culture Groups’ with 25 ‘ethnic groups’, the four culture groups are the Mayan, Ladina, Xinca (Xinka) and Garífuna.

On September 15th Guatemala celebrates the Independence Day as an independent country from Spain (Guatemala became an independent country in 1821).

There are tons of common expressions we all use in any language as we all know, but in Spanish language and in Guatemala, this is perhaps this is the most used expression any day, the famous ‘NO TENGA PENA’.

Corn in Guatemala has been a vital piece in the history of this country, from ancestral times with the Mayans, until today. It is part of the daily diet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The famous tortillas are the eternal accompaniment at the Guatemalan table.

Five different classic sayings in Spanish language. These all are quite interesting to learn about and don't have a literal easy translation to them. Understanding each one of them will help you learn how to communicate a little bit easier.

Guatemalan tamales have been a signature of typical cuisine, and have been here since we can all remember. Tamales from Guatemala are quite different when compared to others in Latin America, and there are a few variety to tamale-types in Guatemala depending on the region.

If you are planning on visiting Antigua Guatemala to learn Spanish, then you should know that there is a very much used expression you will hear guaranteed (at least once) if you stay for a little while, and this is ‘fijese que…’.

Most of the churches built between 1540 and 1790 are richly decorated inside with wooden altarpieces which can be a main altar located at the bottom of the presbytery, or collateral altarpieces attached to the walls of the main hall.

Antigua Guatemala city was founded as ‘Santiago de Guatemala’. ‘Dia de Santiago Apostol’ (Saint James’ Day) is celebrated in several cities in Latin America, as well as in Antigua Guatemala.

‘Cerámica Popular de Guatemala’, is the name given to the products made of mud-clay produced in Guatemala, some of these products are used for decoration and some other for cooking.

Over 450 years ago, after the Spanish conquest took place, arts produced during those days by the so called ‘Reino’ (‘spanish reign’) began to change.

This is a very important tradition in Guatemala, and it is celebrated in many many villages in Guatemala as well as in Guatemala city, taking place specially during the ‘fiestas patronales’ (patron celebration). This activity captures the attention of local and foreigners alike.

The Mayolica Ceramic is an important part Guatemalan culture today, an important heritage of the Spanish colony of centuries ago.

The ‘Mayolica Ceramic’ is a kind of glazed pottery that has been produced since the 16th century in Guatemala, specially in Antigua Guatemala (Santiago de Guatemala by those days), San Miguel Totonicapán and in Guatemala City (the capital).

This is the traditional Guatemala Meat Spicy Stew, which is seen by most Guatemalans as the national dish. It is basically meat and vegetables in a thick and rich sauce, with a combination of roasted spices like pepitoria and sesame seeds and many others very well blended together.

Global coffee is one of the worlds most important and traded commodity today, it is worth around $60 billion us dollars a year and Guatemalan coffee is one of the most recognized and preferred by the coffee lovers.

The real origin of Chocolate (cacao - the original Mayan name was ‘Kakau’) is actually from Central America and Guatemala is the epicenter of it, the native indigenous call cacao the ‘Gods Heritage’ and ‘The food of the Gods’.

There are a few good reasons why coming to Antigua Guatemala to study Spanish is better than other countries in Latin America and even Spain. So we would like to share 5 reasons for you to consider...

Canillitas de leche (milk canillitas), Zapotes, Colochos de Guayaba and Camotes… these are just a few of many many candies that you can find in Antigua Guatemala. Each one has a unique flavor and texture, yet some of them share a few key ingredients like condensed milk and cinnamon.

Not that many cities in Latin America has such beautiful and and iconic colonial buildings like Antigua Guatemala has, and this is one of the reasons why this colonial city is famous for.

While visiting Antigua Guatemala, a visit to Antigua’s Local Market is impossible to miss. If you are looking for that special souvenir, or simply some local produced fruits and veg, the central market has everything you can think of…

Guatemala’s Cuisine has many traditional dishes, all of them have similarities but each one is unique at the same time.

Several traditional foods in Guatemala’s Cuisine are based on Maya heritage, corn and beans are key ingredients play an important role.

The city of Antigua Guatemala leads the pack when it comes to Easter Week activities in Guatemala, with spectacular procesiones that are among the world’s most iconic.

Holly Week, according to the tradition of the Catholic Church, begins on Palm Sunday when Jesus enters Jerusalem and is received with palm leaves. The following are the dates based on the Gregorian calendar for 2018 Easter Week.

The indigenous (Mayan) people have lived in Central America for many centuries, and Guatemala is the epicenter. They are one of the many Pre-Columbian native people of Mesoamerica. The have occupy Guatemala mostly, Yucatan Peninsula and Belize (theas last two were part of Guatemalan territory in the past).

Throughout Guatemala, Easter Week or Semana Santa as it is called in Spanish, is celebrated as one of the most significant and festive season on every religious and social calendar.