Top places to see in Guatemala and major festivals: Here we present a description and dates of the main festivals of Guatemala, activities that you can easily include in your vacations, we are sure that will improve your experience in the Heart of the Mayan World.
Major Festivals in Guatemala : Palo Volador. Performers test out their abilities to the Palo Volador throughout the festivity of their Saint; incredibly extra tall pine poles are consecrated and set up within the plaza for that ceremony. Pole dancers climb up in pairs to the top level via platforms and ropes, and then they rotate at the end of the lines dizzyingly (and alarmingly) down in terrific swooping circles. The ceremony’s roots should lay inside the Maya traditions of Yaxche, the tree of life. The places where celebrates El Palo Volador are: Dec 21st Chichicastenango: Santo Tomas is Chichicastenango’s patron saint, together with Christmas time coming to this festivity is among the year’s most significant events, probably equaled only by the Holy Week in La Antigua Guatemala. The celebration attracts an exceptionally massive audience throughout the highlands.
November 1st All Saints Day. November first is among the most important days of the year in Guatemala. During this day, we commemorate the Day of the Dead. This is a special event during which cemeteries are frequented and ornamented in reminiscence of family and friends. This is a union of ancient pagan beliefs, as well as the Catholic customs introduced over by the Spaniards within the XVI and XVII centuries. During this time, two significant festivities occur “the horse races in Todos Santos Cuchumatan, Huehuetenango,” and also the giant kites in Santiago and Sumpango Sacatepequez. See additional details on Guatemala Vacations.
Extra Guatemala attractions: The Pacaya Volcano, rising to more than 2,550 meters, offers the chance to witness volcanic activity first hand. Located near Antigua, this volcano been continuously active since 1975, and lava explosions constantly change its appearance. Organized tours offer guided hikes on the volcano and an opportunity to roast marshmallows over the heat created by hot spots. It should be noted that, as an active volcano, hiking it does involve some risks. Livingston is the departure point for boat rides on the Rio Quehueche and Rio Cocoli or to the Cayos Sapodillas for snorkeling and fishing. The best beaches are just outside of town, easily reached by taxi.
Antigua was once the capitol city of Guatemala, up until the year 1773 when a massive earthquake decimated the town. In 1776, it was ordered abandoned and what had once been a buzzing and vibrant capitol city took on the aura of a quiet provincial town. Known for its old-world style Spanish architecture by way of palaces, cathedrals, universities and hermitages, Antigua is a charming jewel in Guatemala. The Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua has become a visual cue to let everyone know that they’ve arrived. The city is a particularly popular tourist attraction during Holy Week, with parades and floats and carpets of flowers lining the streets. It’s absolutely breath-taking. Discover even more information at https://www.martsam.com/.