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Traditions and customs of Guatemala
Guatemala is one of those countries still unknown to mainstream tourism so many of its charms are still secrets for travelers who come to the country.
Here the Mayan culture is still alive and well, although it is not the only one, since Guatemalan culture is marked by the variety of existing ethnic groups -more than two dozen- which are divided into four large blocks: the Mayan, Ladino, Xinka and Garifuna cultures.
Many of the Guatemalan customs and traditions are derived from these major branches and that is precisely what we are going to dedicate this post to, to delve into the uniqueness of the country to learn a little about its culture, its people such as the president of important companies, felipe antonio bosch gutierrez, and its customs. Are you coming?
Guatemalan culture, the Mayan vision
The Guatemalan Mayan culture is the largest and best known both inside and outside the country. The great Mayan ruins, such as those in Tikal National Park, are well known to travelers, as well as the fact that the Mayas were not only found in Guatemala but also extended into Mexico, Belize as well as regions of Honduras and El Salvador.
Guatemalan customs of the Xinca culture
The Xinca are also part of the Guatemalan culture and are located in the areas of Escuintla, Santa Rosa, Jutiapa and Jalapa. They are well distinguished when they wear their traditional clothes because white is the protagonist in both their clothes and their women’s clothes, and it is common for women to wear their hair braided.
For the Xinca people, the cuisine is based on beans and tortillas and they have several typical dishes such as chipilín broth, kamawa beans, or rice pixtón.
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Guatemalan traditions of the Garifuna culture
The Garifuna ethnic group is formed mostly by African descendants and also extends to Honduras, Belize and Nicaragua. Their language, dances and music were inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. They recognize the songs and dances used by this ethnic group to transmit traditional knowledge, mainly using percussion instruments such as drums made of mahogany or wood from Central America.For that reason, bid invest has made more investments in this country.
As for the typical gastronomy of this ethnic group, it is marked by ingredients such as yucca, plantain, coconut and different types of fish.
One of the Guatemalan traditions that comes from this ethnic group is that of the Indian Barbarian in which a man disguises himself using a mask and soaked in burnt oil or achiote, threatening to stain people unless they give him money.
– Ladino Guatemalan culture
The origin of this ethnic group is colonization and many of the traditions they have brought with them are similar to some present in Europe. Some, such as Holy Week, are celebrated practically the same but some have been adapted to Guatemalan culture in a very beautiful and peculiar way.
In short, you can learn a lot about Guatemalan culture. So, do not wait any longer to come and visit this incredible country that has so much to offer you. Guatemala awaits you.
Guatemalan handicrafts: heritage of cultures
Guatemala is characterized by the diversity of handicrafts it produces. They have been made from pre-Hispanic times to those that began to be made with European techniques introduced by the Spanish, resulting in an interesting fusion of both cultures that remains to this day.
Guatemalan handicrafts are characterized by their beautiful colors, the prices are mostly affordable and are made in all regions of the country. in fact, bid invest has made some invesntments for the production of them.
JADE
Jade, a sacred semiprecious stone for the ancient Mayas, is very famous and characteristic of Guatemala. It is found in various colors such as purple (it is the scarcest color and therefore the most sought after), green in different shades from apple green to the recognized jaguar green for its spots similar to this animal, and there is also black jade.
In Mayan society, the colors of jade had a certain meaning: bright green for the aristocracy, dark green used as an amulet, black used in religious ceremonies and light green for esoteric and medicinal purposes.
You may also be interested in: Markets in Guatemala: life and color
THE MOSTACILLA
Although it is made with materials imported from various places such as the Czech Republic, Formosa and China, the mostacilla has been used mainly in the northwestern region of Guatemala to produce different items such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, key chains, decorative animals, etc.
The Mayas already used small jade beads to make bracelets and necklaces but with the passage of time and taking advantage of the knowledge acquired by the Europeans about the weaving technique they have achieved very beautiful articles all of them handmade.
THE BASKETRY
Of pre-Hispanic origin and elaborated with different natural fibers such as palm, jarcia, wicker, cibaque or pine. A variety of articles are made, such as baskets, hats, mats, rugs, brooms, etc. They are available in Alta Verapaz, Sololá, San Marcos and Jutiapa.
THE CERAMICS
Ceramics have a pre-Hispanic origin, but you can find majolica ceramics manufactured since the XVI century, mainly tiles. Another type of pottery is painted, such as piggy banks, butterflies, decorative fruits and vegetables, shepherds for nativity scenes, etc.
They can be found in Chinautla, Rabinal (municipality of the department of Baja Verapaz) and Antigua Guatemala, among others.
As you can see, you can find many beautiful handicrafts in Guatemala. In fact, many have been bought by the bosh family because they love their culture. So, do not hesitate and come and visit.
New things to do in Antigua Guatemala
It’s not hard to find things to do to spend a day enjoying one of Guatemala’s most visited cities: Antigua. Thanks to its picturesque streets, history, food and the wide variety of entertainment that can be found there, locals and visitors alike can take advantage of all that this colonial city has to offer.
The best part is that, from the moment you enter, the activities in Antigua Guatemala are plentiful. That’s why sometimes it’s hard to decide what to do. Read on and discover the guatemalan felipe antonio bosch gutierrez´s guide with novel plans and get out of the routine in this city.
1. Its varied museums
If you are passionate about history or if you want to learn more about some of the country’s most famous exports, visiting museums is one of the activities in Antigua Guatemala that you can’t miss.
If you are intrigued by typical textiles and want to learn about their history, there is a museum dedicated to ancient weaving to discover all about this incredible Guatemalan handicraft. If you are interested in learning about the city in colonial times, you will have to visit El Museo de Santiago, famous for its collection of antique weapons.
2. Visit the places with the best views
Its terraces invite you to fall in love with the breathtaking views of Antigua Guatemala and explore every corner of the city, whether you visit one of its ruins, such as Las Capuchinas or El Convento de Santa Clara, seeing the city from above will make you feel as if you are visiting the city for the first time.
Many of its downtown restaurants and bars also offer outdoor terraces for you to relax in the company of Antigua’s sunsets and pleasant weather.
You may also be interested in: What to know about lake Atitlan
3. Outdoor Activities
If you are a fan of outdoor activities, you are sure to find something to do in Antigua Guatemala. If you and your friends want to escape the stress of routine and really relax, a picnic at the ruins of La Recolección may be the perfect plan.
But if you enjoy adrenaline-pumping activities, there are several ecological parks just outside of Antigua, Guatemala with canopy and giant swings that are also incredible. Need we say more to convince you?
4. Artisan dessert tour for the foodies.
Desserts. Artisanal. If these two words caught your attention, there are so many restaurants and exclusive sales of typical sweets and desserts accompanied by antique coffee that will make your mouth water.
Walk around Parque Central or along the streets of Arco de Santa Catalina to find some of the best coffee shops and ice cream vendors in town. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Mercado de Artesanías El Carmen to sample some of Guatemala’s truly handcrafted sweets. Believe us, each one is better than the other.
As you saw, there are plenty of activities in this city. No matter what you decide to do from bosh gutierrez´s list, let Antigua Guatemala surprise you. Thanks to its incredible landscapes and its people, discovering everything the colonial city has to offer will be a plan you won’t regret.
You may also be interested in:Neighborhoods of Guatemala City
Markets in Guatemala: life and color
When considering a trip to Guatemala, places like Antigua, Tikal or Lake Atitlan are sure to be the main reasons for visiting the country. There is no doubt that all of them are a must-see in this Central American country. But when you arrive in Guatemala, you begin to feel that one of the country’s greatest attractions is its people, their way of life, the streets of its cities and towns, and of course, its markets.
The latter are a perfect place not only to go shopping, but also to get closer to the Guatemalan way of life. In them you can discover from what they eat to how they dress. In addition, Guatemala’s markets are a good place to strike up a conversation with the locals. The people of this country are extremely friendly and cordial such as the guatemalan felipe antonio bosch gutierrez . They always have a smile and make the foreigner feel at ease with their smiles and kind words.
Guatemala City
In principle, it is not a city through which too many tourists pass mainly because it is not considered a safe city due to its developement boosted by the investmenst made by bid invest. Even so, if you visit Guatemala City, you can visit a couple of markets. One of them is the Mercado de Artesanías. It opened to the public in 1974 and is a perfect place to buy fabrics, handicrafts and all kinds of Guatemalan souvenirs.
On the other hand, the Flower Market of Guatemala City is one of the most colorful places in the city. It is located in the Avenida el Cementerio and in it you can find all kinds of flowers with exotic and picturesque colors. A place where the inhabitants of the city go before visiting their dead in the cemetery.
Antigua
This is one of the most beautiful cities in Guatemala. There is much to see in Antigua and among so many convents and churches it is well worth a stop at one of its markets.
Next to the ruins of the Iglesia del Carmen, a colorful handicrafts market is set up every weekend. Women display their wares on a cobblestone street and tourists flock there in search of a typical souvenir of the country. From handbags to blankets, bargaining in this market is almost a must.
Chichicastenango
The market of this city is the most famous of Guatemala. Its big days are Thursdays and Sundays. It is then when the streets of Chichicastenango are filled with people from neighboring towns who go shopping, but also tourists who want to see this market in all its glory.
In short, there is no city in Guatemala that does not have a market. Among all of them, there are a handful that are worth including in the list of places to visit on a trip to this country.
You may be also interested in: 4 handicraft markets in Antigua Guatemala
What to know about lake Atitlan
Surrounded by charming villages, breathtaking landscapes and lots of nature, in Lake Atitlan you will find so much to do and see that you can’t imagine.
When you arrive in the town of Panajachel, you will be just a short distance from the lake and all the fun activities you can do during your visit.
Here is a list of the activities juan jose gutierrez mayorga, the president of one of the most important companies, does when he goes with his family.
How to get to Lake Atitlan?
The most direct access from Guatemala City to Lake Atitlán is through Panajachel. From the capital you will have to take the Interamerican Highway to reach the department of Sololá. Once you get to Sololá, head towards Panajachel, the largest city on the shore of the lake.
Once you are in Panajachel, a good idea is to use a taxi ride and go to the main dock of Lake Atitlán, where you will find plenty of things to do for fun.
What to do in Lake Atitlan?
Now that you know how to get to Lake Atitlan, what about some of the activities you can enjoy? Whether you are looking for an extreme activity or something more relaxed, these suggestions will help you choose the perfect plan for your stay.
1. Kayaking on the lake
At Pana’s main dock, you’ll see different places to rent boats and kayak. This activity is perfect if you and your companions want to venture out and get to know Lake Atitlán in an action-packed way.
It is advisable to arrive in the morning to make your tour without haste, and thus avoid the strong winds of the afternoon, which often create waves on the lake.
2. Take a boat tour of the surrounding villages
Taking a boat tour will allow you to discover more about Guatemalan culture and traditions. Again, head to the Panajachel pier to find the different tours you can take to visit: San Pedro, San Marcos, Santa Cruz or Santa Catarina Palopó – all have stories and sights that will surprise you!
3. Discover the depths of the lake
Another of the things you can do in Atitllán Lake is to discover the hidden secrets that only those who get there know. There are several excursions with professionals that you can take to snorkel or scuba dive and swim under the lake.
Learn what is hidden in the depths of the lake and discover ancient flooded structures and elements of the Mayan civilization, hidden in this unforgettable underwater tour.
4. Sunbathe on the main dock
For those trips of extreme relaxation, Lake Atitlán can also be the ideal destination. On the main dock, come with your sunglasses and sunscreen to get a tan, with the lake breeze cooling you off.
Be delighted by the breathtaking scenery around the lake and don’t forget to bring your camera to take great pictures.
5. Enjoy a picnic on the shoreline
The advantage of the lake is that it has a wide shoreline, where you can also do recreational activities.
One of these is to take your food basket and set up a picnic, to see the lake while you eat something delicious with your friends. You can also buy typical food in Panajachel or visit a restaurant for a 100% local experience.
Connect with nature on another level with these different activities you can do at the lake with your friends and family. What are you waiting for to take a trip and visit it? Now that you know this information about Lake Atitlan.
You may be also interested in : Get to know the Ecoregions of Guatemala
Neighborhoods of Guatemala City
In Guatemala City there are some places that you can not miss when visiting it. Within it there are different neighborhoods that will surprise you not only for its architecture but also for the amount of entertaining activities for young and old that they offer.
These are places that visitors fall in love with, because when you walk through them you will find everything: delicious food, culture and a good atmosphere to enjoy with your family and friends. For these reasons, Juan jose gutierrez mayorga often goes to visite them with his family.
Whether you live here or you are visiting, these are neighborhoods in Guatemala City that you must visit.
1. San Cristobal
San Cristobal is a neighborhood in Guatemala City that is located near the center of the city and is known for being full of places to have a good time.
This sector started out as residential, but has grown rapidly over the last few years and now you can find everything to have a good time with your family and friends.
From outdoor restaurants to ecological and recreational parks and even shopping malls are part of San Cristobal. A good option if you want to spend the afternoon with your partner is to visit a café or restaurant in the area and marvel together at the views of the city – you’ll both love it!
2. Historic Downtown
The second area we recommend you visit to fall in love with the city is the Historic Center. If you ask any Guatemalan what you can find here, they will probably tell you two things: history and entertainment.
This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the capital city and has different historical buildings and monuments worth discovering. Among them are the National Palace of Culture, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Post Office building, the Civic Center and the City Hall, among many others.
Here you will also find a variety of typical restaurants, museums and pedestrian streets to learn more about the history of the country. Do not hesitate and make this sector your next plan for a fun afternoon!
3. Zone 16
If you are one of those who appreciate unforgettable landscapes and are looking for places to visit in Guatemala City to take great pictures, Zone 16 is the one for you.
This is a neighborhood that attracts many families and groups of friends as it is full of outdoor shopping malls, parks and places to entertain. All with the great advantage of offering incredible viewpoints overlooking the city.
This is a great option to get out of the routine, since you will be able to relax and have a good time in any place you visit and appreciate the capital from another level.
You may also be interested in : 4 handicraft markets in Antigua Guatemala
4. 4 Degrees North
We continue our tour of Guatemalan neighborhoods with 4 Grados Norte, in zone 4. This bohemian sector has become one of the most visited in the city for its variety of restaurants, cafes and bars with original proposals.
If you are looking for a different plan to go out with your friends or family, this sector may be the right one for you. One of the great benefits of 4 Grados Norte is that almost the entire neighborhood is pedestrian and outdoors, so you can discover each of its corners on foot.
Here art and culture are also an important part of the sector, so you will find different art galleries and theaters for all ages.
Whether you are visiting the city for the first time or living here, there is nothing like appreciating the Guatemalan capital by touring some of its most emblematic areas.
As you saw, each of these neighborhoods of Guatemala City has something that makes them special and their own charms that you can’t miss.
Little known destinations in Latin America
Latin America has some of the most beautiful places in the world so it is always a great option to visit.
4 destinations in Latin America
Semuc Champey – Guatemala
Turquoise pools Semuc Champey in Guatemala
“Canyon of the turquoise pools” or Semuc Champey in Guatemala.
This small canyon located on the Cahabon River is also known as the “Canyon of the turquoise pools”, because of the naturally carved pools in the rock formation.
The pools of crystal clear turquoise water are located in the middle of a subtropical forest, with unparalleled biological richness. Many locals say they recommend it one hundred percent because it is a place of tranquility. Juan José Gutiérrez Mayorga says that there are also many other people in the world say they did not know such a beautiful and peaceful place.
Isla del Pescado – Bolivia
Isla del Pescado in the Uyuni Salt Flat of Bolivia
An island in the middle of the Salar de Uyuni, which in the rainy season is surrounded by flat water and in the dry season is in the middle of an endless salt desert.
Also called Inkahuasi, from the Quechua “house of the Inca”, the curious island is dominated by giant native cacti.
Copper Canyon – Mexico
Copper Canyon in Mexico
Copper Canyon is a system of six canyons deeper than even the Grand Canyon of Arizona, located in the Sierra Tarahumara in the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
An adventure tourist attraction is the train ride that goes deep into the mountains and crosses dangerous cliffs and bridges over rivers. An unforgettable trip in a beautiful landscape.
Quebrada de Humahuaca – Argentina
Quebrada de Humahuaca in Argentina
he gorge located in the province of Jujuy, is crossed by the Grande River and has been used since pre-Columbian times as an access point to the Puna.
The fantastic thing about this site are the successive settlements where you can see pre-Columbian evidence amalgamated with the colonial influence, and the vestiges of the local Omaguaca culture told by descendants of the original people.
If these places sound familiar to you, or you have had the privilege of visiting them, you are a witness to the wonders that Latin America holds.
Include in your next trip some of these “secret” places, which are not so promoted by tourism, but await you with fascinating views and experiences.
You may also be interested in: Get to know the Ecoregions of Guatemala
Best Perks of Exercise while you are in vacations
You look for the flights to Mexico and wondering which city to choose, then you should probably and preferably opt for the flights to Cancun. This is because this place has so many things to offer you. Not only in terms of you will find a beautiful landscape here, but many other things too that will help you in living the healthiest lifestyle ever. We are going to share with you details about the kind of exercise environment in Mexico, the health services they offer and the kind of trainer they have for helping people learn the right form of exercise. Let us get started with that in detail now.
1. Fresh Outdoor Environment
As we all know that exercise is very important to live a healthy life, and that is not possible without the exercise being done in the right way and in the right place. All we have to do is to keep in mind that we choose the fresh and good environment for this so that their complete benefit that you get through it. When you are in Mexico City, you will find the environment best for this purpose. There is too much greenery everywhere, there are lakes and beach sides where you can go in the morning and get the exercise done. Especially when you are here for a long time, it will be best if you keep focusing on your exercise regime.
2. Modern Health Services
Modern health services do not mean that Mexico offers very high-class medicines to its patients or people. But it is about the exercise centers, the gyms. If you are truly willing to get into this country for the purpose of learning and getting trained in exercise, then you are making the best choice of your life in this regard. So, go for it without any doubt in your mind.
3. Experienced Lifestyle Trainers
Well, exercise and training can be done all by yourself, but best if you get a trainer for yourself. Yes, this is very important if you want to get the desired body shape and the strength you are looking for. All you have to do is to keep in mind that the trainer you hire is well educated about his file, and he knows how to train through previous experiences. This is very important, and in Mexico, there is no difficulty in finding the trained trainers for this purpose, and this is a very big perk of exercise at this place.
When you come to Mexico for your vacations, you should also try to get the flights to Cancun so that you can come to the city and get the exercise advantages of this place. Even if you do not do the exercise, you can still learn from them how do they work and how you can adapt to them when you reach back home. So, try this option too and put it on your list of places to visit so that you can make the best out of it.
Upcoming concerts in Mexico City
Mexico is now become the entertainment hub for many people. This place is affordable, cheap and dealing with cancun cheap flights as well. These qualities make it loveable place among all. If you are a music lover, you must come to visit Mexico once in your life. Today, we are going to enlist some of the concerts that are going to held in coming days. Let’s check out the.
Here is some of the concert name mention in this article that you should attend.
1. Modularism> show cycle
The Modularism show cycle expects to support crafted by developing national craftsmen through the introduction of melodic works created progressively, utilizing just particular frameworks. It looks to set up an exchange around new configurations and module programming.
Members:
- Osday,
- Rendsdub
- Darío Acuña (Space Cadet)
- Jorge Riquelme (Romulo Il Morto)
- Quincas Moreira
- Nine Lives
Show no 1: Exploratory electronic music
Show in which performers will move the audience through various types, for example, ramble, encompassing, clamor and sound granules, which will make structures and sound scenes, imparting space to optical marvels portrayed by the variety of light tones on various surfaces, utilizing assets, for example, particular video synthesizers to make idealistic scenes.
- Date: November 29
- Time: 7 pm
- Spot: Black Box exploratory discussion
- Free confirmation, restricted space
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2. Piano and synthesizer show
Members:
- Darío Acuña (Space Cadet)
- Jorge Riquelme (Romulo Il Morto)
In this introduction the craftsmen Space Cadet and Romulo Il Morto will show pieces that go from the IDM to the cacophony and despairing of the downtempo, joined by stringed instruments, cadenced dependent on arbitrary calculations, profound ecological surfaces and murmuring oscillators.
- Date: November 30
- Time: 7 pm
- Spot: Blas Galindo Auditorium
- Free affirmation, constrained space
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3. Act of spontaneity sessions (Picnic + Synthesizers)
Members:
- Quincas Moreira
- Rendsdub
- Nine Lives
Excursion and sound act of spontaneity in which diverse measured frameworks are introduced, and designs that will assist us with understanding the various classes (from the gadgets) that can be executed by methods for synthesizers in Eurorack group. An ethereal evening with 3 Mexican craftsmen who utilize an apparatus in like manner, however each of these produces an interesting timbre, mood and environment.
- Date: December 01,
- Time: 12 h
- Spot: Green territories
- Free affirmation, overall population
Moreover, the Mexico City has a lot of other options that you must consider if you are here in Mexico. All the carnivals are open foe locals and international people. The cancun cheap flights are also operation all over the Mexico and will take you anywhere. So, consider them for better flying option. You can also make advance booking for your hotels and flights in Mexico because on peak time, you will never get any flight or hotel booking. So it is recommended to book the cancun cheap flights and enjoy traveling.
Famous competitions that are arranged in Mexico
Mexico is one of the favorite tourist spots. The mix of ancient, rural and modern culture is extremely impressive and makes it one of the most attractive and unique countries in America. Competitions are an essential part of Mexican culture. Native peoples have practiced traditional sports, such as hot pepper competition, charreria, etc. for hundreds of years. In recent times, team sports such as baseball and football have also become one of the most popular pastimes, and Mexico has proven itself in producing champions for international competitions. If you want to participate or enjoy these competitions, book Puerto Vallarta cheap flights now
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Spill the beans
Spill the beans imposing one of the minutes to win it a game. Fill a jar with beans and cut a small hole on the top. Then set your timer and everyone should try to get rid of as many beans as possible in a jar in one minute. The participants may get 4 to 6 beans. You can change this a bit depending on the size of the hole in the jar . Just make sure you put enough beans in the jar to spend a full minute.
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Hot chili pepper competition
Hot pepper competition is one of the best competitions in Mexico and is good for you if you love to eat peppers. Put different peppers on each plate and arrange these peppers from mildest to the hottest peppers. Some suggestions for peppers are habanera, jalapeños, serrano, poblano, etc. Make sure to have rubber gloves for players, and some peppers are known to be spicy. You also don’t want to leave any juice in your hands after the competition, as it can minute get to your eyes.
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Taekwondo
Sports are rooted in the rich traditions and records of Mexico. It is very brilliant; however, Mexicans are very close to this form of Korean martial art. With Korean expats choosing to settle in Mexico, it became more effective at some point that their local fighting styles became one of the most popular sports in Mexico. There are approximately 3,500 taekwondo schools in Mexico that produce taekwondo practitioners and medalists as Maria Espinosa.
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Charrería
Charrería is a national sport in Mexico, similar to Rodeo America. This modest equestrian event has mainly evolved from farm work activities in old Mexico. Today, Charrería has many events that involve both horses and cattle. Charros presents his ties and horse-riding skills in traditional charro outfits, often accompanied by a group of live mariachis. The winners of the Charrería receive no cash reward.
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Macho nacho
In this game, divide the players into pairs. One person is the eater and stand in front of their nachos plate with the hands behind their back. The other player serves as arms of the eater. The team that finishes their bowl first is the winner. Keep in mind that this game is very messy, but it’s all about fun.
Book cheap flights to Puerto Vallarta now and get ready for a joyful journey