One of the best month's to visit Guatemala is December. December is a month when there are many celebrations. Christmas and New Year's Eve are two of the major Guatemalan National Holidays and Events celebrated. In Antigua, Guatemala the hotels and restaurants are beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
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| Christmas Lanterns at Casa Santo Domingo Hotel |
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| Christmas Tree at Porta Hotel Antigua |
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| Meson Panza Verde Restaurant |
Guatemalans love to celebrate national holidays and fiestas (condensed list). There are in fact over 370 fiestas celebrated throughout the year. Here is an overview of December month celebrations:
December 7th Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil)
La Quena del Diablo is a symbolic cleansing ceremony. During the ceremony trash and a symbolic devil are burned to get rid bad spirits and negative thoughts. The celebration takes place the day before the start of Christmas, with the Feast of Conception, December 8th. Rudy Girón, Antigua Daily Photo and Luke Maguire Armstrong's article described La Quena del Diablo celebrations. Check out these images of La Quena del Diablo.
December 12th Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe
Virgen de Guadalupe Celebration is a religious celebration. For the celebration children dress in typical clothing and pay homage to the Virgen de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadelupe). Photos from the celebration are posted in the Revue.
December 16-24 Las Posadas (The Inns)
During the nine days before Christmas in many towns throughout Guatemala small processions called Las Posadas start. These processions usually occur just after dark. The Posadas start on December 16th and continue to Christmas Eve evening. Christmas carols are sung, as the procession walks through the neighborhood carry figures of Mary and Joseph; seeking lodging for the holy family.
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| A Children's Posada |
December 21st Dia del Santo Tomas (Feast of Saint Thomas)
In Guatemala the Feast of Saint Thomas is an adaptation of the Mayan flying men dance into a Christmas religious practice. In Guatemala it is celebrated on December 21st. The biggest celebration of this event occurs in Chichichastenango. You can also check out Priyank's post on Mexican celebrations.
December 24/25th Navidad (Christmas Eve/Day)
December 24/25 needs no explanation however, a Guatemalan Christmas is a blend of Mayan and Catholic traditions. Guatemala is rich in religious tradition and many of these traditions center around food. December and Christmas in particular is a time for special foods. Guatemalan Christmas food include chicken, Chiles Rellenos, fish, tamales, turkey. In terms of drinks and desserts, ponche (fruit punch) and buñuelos are amongst the most common ones. Guatemalan dulces (sweets) are extremely popular at this time as well.
December 28th El Dia de los Inocentes (All Fools Day)
El Dia de los Inocentes is a day similar to All Fool's Day but it is celebrated in Guatemalan style.
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| New Year's Eve Celebrations in Calle del Arco |
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| Yes, same person with fireworks |
December 31st Fin del Año (New Year's Eve)
Without doubt New Year's Eve is quite popular in Guatemala. Although fireworks are a part of all celebrations throughout the year on New Year's Eve tops the list. See Rudy Girón's article on fireworks in Guatemala.
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| New Year's Eve Performance in Calle del Arco |
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| Guatemalan Mirimba Band performing in Calle del Arco |
This New York Times article describes the best time to visit Guatemala. December is definitely a time of celebration in Guatemala. If you like more details on Christmas foods and events check out Antigua Daily Photo. Also, for a detailed description of Guatemalan Christmas traditions see Christmas in Guatemala 101. Two great online sources of information on upcoming celebrations throughout the year are the Revue and Qué Pasa.
Happy Holidays!!
Sharon
December 2011
Antigua, Guatemala
© Spaswinefood
© Spaswinefood
Other Spaswinefood posts on Guatemala include as topics as:
Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year!!!
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