Nice little town, almost connected with Coban; San Pedro Carcha is different, and if you ask me, I can’t explain why. Is it ultimate hospitality of the people, their vision of the tourism, or devotion to the small town life? Instead of long stories, just pictures in this Easter gallery.
Maximón is a folk saint venerated in various forms by Maya people of several towns in the highlands of Western Guatemala. The origins of his cult are not very well understood by outsiders to the different Mayan religions, but Maximón is believed to be a form of the pre-Columbian Maya god Mam, blended with influences from Catholicism. Maximón may also be called San Simón.
To be in Sumpango on a day when they make and exhibit gigantic kites is precious; this festival is more and more popular among visitors of Guatemala. And that day is called Day of the dead – 1st of November.
Miguel Ángel Asturias Rosales (October 19, 1899 – June 9, 1974) was a Nobel Prize–winning Guatemalan poet, novelist, playwright, journalist and diplomat. Asturias helped establish Latin American literature’s contribution to mainstream Western culture, and at the same time drew attention to the importance of indigenous cultures, especially those of his native Guatemala.
One of Asturias’ most famous novels, El Señor Presidente, describes life under a ruthless dictator. Asturias’ very public opposition to dictatorial rule led to him spending much of his later life in exile, both in South America and in Europe. The book that is sometimes described as his masterpiece, Hombres de maíz (Men of Maize), is a defense of Mayan culture and customs.
Asturias is one of two Nobel Prize winners; other is Rigoberta Menchu, winner of the peace prize.
Processions are found in almost every form of religious worship, such as Holy Week processions. Some biblical examples were the processions with the Ark of Covenant around the walls of Jericho and the procession of Jesus on a donkey into Jerusalem.
Sometimes, not too often, you can see best folklore ensembles of Guatemala performing in Guatemala City. I had that opportunity during International Tourism Day celebration organized by INGUAT (Guatemalan Institute of tourism).
Big city needs services – firefighters are one of the most neccesary one. Founded in 1956, those guys have a lot of work every day. They are ready to cope with disasters, they respond to events like fires and traffic accidents, and they give hundreds of first aids every day.
On September,15th 1921 the Captaincy-general of Guatemala (formed by Chiapas, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras) officially proclaimed its independence from Spain and its incorporation into the Mexican Empire, which was dissolved two years later. Therefore, this date is celebrated in several CA countries, this year being more important due to 190 years anniversary. Official name of this holiday is «Libertad (freedom) 15 de Septiembre».
Guatemalans celebrate this day with great respect to their flag; they put them literally everywhere, including private vehicles covered in blue-white-blue color. Colors of their flag symbolize two oceans and white stands for Guatemala itself.
Celebrations start day before, when in Guatemala City «Obelisco» square a flame is lit; from here many schools take their flames to their villages and cities. Special torch called Antorcha Centroamericana travels during September from Guatemala to Costa Rica.
However, central event is Independence parade in Guatemala City, where participants (mostly music and dance bands from public schools, army, police and other groups) parade for hours, passing central square in front of the National palace, and along Sixth avenue.
21 kilometer race organized by Guatemala City Municipality is becoming traditional. This year it was held for the 3rd time. Beautiful August day was happy one for competitors from Kenya – they had triple win, with Guatemalan Alfredo Arévalo coming fourth with just seven seconds of delay. Elisha Kiprotich took the first place. There were also competitions for women and disabled (Alene Sewarge and Juan Cuxun were the winners).
One hundred years ago Chinese people who came to Guatemala from Taiwan, established their society in Guatemala City. At that time many changes took place in China, most notable is the end of two millennium rule of imperial dynasties. The Republic of China was established on January 1st, 1912 under leadership of dr. Sun Yat-sen.
Since then, Chinese and Taiwan as friendly country take important role in Guatemalan social life. There are also many projects and investments going on. This anniversary was marked with many events. One of them was procession in the Las Americas avenue.
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