Culture

Only in Guatemala the world was created in 23 different ways. There are 23 languages and 23 different words for God. Here, woman using magic threads of every color of the rainbow spin, weave and embroider more than 500 different native costumes. Many fertility goddesses bring light and strength to the flowers, the stars, and also to the beautiful creatures of the jungle in Guatemala.

In Guatemala beauty pursues the traveler at every corner. Quiches, Mams, Tzutujils and Cakchiquels, men with elated heart, work with malleable damp clay, powerful jade or wood from forest. The concepts colors and shapes they produce in their ancient art are astonishing. On simple blackstrap or pedal looms, the women weave history with their wool and cotton threads creating huipiles and other fine textiles.

Antigua Guatemala

Despite the fact that tourist guidebooks give some facts about Antigua, it is nonetheless impossible not to be astonished and moved when setting foot on the cobbled streets of this colonial city. No matter the visitor’s reason for visiting Antigua, there are few that leave the town without heaving a sign of regret. Its picturesque streets, richly textured ruins and friendly residents work their way into the heart of any visitor and remain there for quite a while.

La Antigua Guatemala was the capital of the kingdom of Guatemala during colonial times. Today, extraordinary palaces, convents, hermitages and churches are harmoniously integrated in its architecture. This city was declared Patrimony of cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Lake Atitlán and Panajachel

Few visitors leave Guatemala without seeing Lake Atitlan and the Maya town of Panajachel, booth found about two hours from Guatemala City. There is enough activities around the lake to keep visitors busy for several days, as they explore Maya villages, shop, go horseback riding or bird watching, tour a nature reserve and butterfly garden, and visit local artist is one of the worlds most beautiful natural settings.

Arguably the most beautiful lake in the world, Atitlan owes its grandeur to its enormous size and spectacular, volcanic setting. Lake Atitlan was formed when a volcanic caldera depleted of its magma. Three stately volcanoes, Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro rise gracefully from its southern shore, their perfect cones reflected in the azure mirror of the lake. Weaving made and worn by the Maya-Tzutujil and Cakchiquel women who live around the lake are some of the most beautiful in Guatemala, and many of the men also wear traditional, hand-woven clothing.

Chichicastenango

Thursday and Sundays are market days in Chichicastenango. People from nearby areas bring their fruits, flowers and seeds, handicrafts, dresses and shawls to sell. Little by little the market surrounds St. Tomas Church like a labyrinth. At sundown, the rituals begin. Prayers are said while incense sends the messages up to their beloved gods.

Chichicastenango is a colorful place with the sound of different dialects, with different articles to sale: impeccably handmade handicrafts, singular clothing, exotic tasting food and praises to a non-forsaking god.

San Antonio Aguas Calientes

The town is just 15 minutes away from the city of Antigua Guatemala, it’s known for its handmade weaving, a tradition dating back to colonial times. Life in San Antonio Aguas Calientes keeps pace to the weavers, whose hands give shape to huipiles, tzutes, tapestries, and small rooms of traditional design and bright colors, make with the skill of their ancestors.

In San Antonio, they also make straws dolls, huge kites, paintings by different techniques and wooden masks, used for many Guatemalan native dances.

Totonicapán

Here live the inheritors of color and form. In fact, here in Totonicapan, the meztizo art was born from the fusion between the Spanish and the Maya, has truly flourished. Glazed or painted ceramics, textiles made on foot looms, toys and cajetas, many colored boxes, all testify to the mastery of the artisans who live here.

Also here you can find the famous “Ponchos” of Momostenago, artistic heavy wool blankets or rug woven on large foot looms. Close there are two more towns: San Francisco el Alto, which has a picturesque market every Friday, and San Andres Xecul, who’s Church has a polychrome façade resembling the weave of their huipil.

Livingston

The flavor of the Caribbean flows through the streets of this small town, populated by the Garifuna Afro Caribbean with a mix culture, which is interesting and exotic. Long time ago Livingston was the port of departure for the fragrant coffee of Las Verapaces. Today, it is a fishing village full of wooden houses, balconies and sandy streets.

Local celebrations include Easter Week with a representation of Christ’s Passion, and the Fiestas of San Isidro Labrador and the Virgin of Guadalupe on December 12th. Here ceremonies are celebrated with the notable Afro Caribbean culture.