As people around the world get ready to say goodbye to 2011 and welcome 2012, the count down is on for New Year's Eve celebrations here in Antigua, Guatemala. Guatemalans love to celebrate New Year's Eve. New Year's Day is one the major Guatemalan National Holidays and Events. While Guatemalans spend Christmas Eve with family New Year's Eve is usually celebrated elsewhere. Popular places include the beach, Tikal and Antigua. In Antigua people like to gather in Calle del Arco and Plaza Central to ring in the new year. The signs that switch from 2011 to 2012 has been up for awhile.
A few nights ago when I was in Calle del Arco I took these photos:
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| Calle del Arco, Antigua © Spaswinefood |
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| Calle del Arco, Antigua © Spaswinefood |
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| Calle del Arco, Antigua © Spaswinefood |
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| Calle del Arco, Antigua © Spaswinefood |
Today I captured this photo of Plaza Central:
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| Plaza Central Antigua © Spaswinefood |
New Year's Eve is not the only time for celebration in Guatemala. In fact there are over 370 fiestas celebrated throughout the year. With such love for celebrations however, it is not surprising that New Year's Eve celebrations tops the list. Guatemalan celebrations always centers around food and fireworks. In the case of New Year's Eve there is always lots of fireworks.
Earlier we dropped by Almacen Troccoli, one of the local wine stores to stock up for the December holidays. If you are looking for something specific then you just may have to visit all the stores in town. If you are looking for something very specific then you will most likely be out of luck.
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| Almacen Troccoli © Spaswinefood |
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| Almacen Troccoli © Spaswinefood |
Whatever your New Year's Eve plans include the old year is winding down. Maybe, you will celebrate the arrival of the 2012 with a Franciacorta, Cava or Champagne.
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Franciacorta Prima Cuvée Monte Rossa © Spaswinefood
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As you get ready to toast the arrival of a new year, now is the time to start thinking of New Year’s resolutions. If these resolutions include more travel then check out my travel column at the Examiner. Of course do not forget to visit me at Spaswinefood, as I travel Las Américas and beyond in search of the best in spas-wine-food.
© Sharon, Spaswinefood
December 2011
Antigua, Guatemala
Happy New Year to all!!
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