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Most of the popular festivals and biggest festivities take place in either Guatemala City or Antigua, the two largest cities in Guatemala. However, more rural festivals celebrating the same holidays are worth taking in as well. There is a hardly a month in the country that do;es not boast some large festival and visitors who take part in such festivities will not be disappointed.
January festivals
New Year's Day (Año Nuevo): this Western calendar holiday is celebrated with as much enthusiasm (and alcohol abuse) as it is in most other Western countries. Most businesses and individuals observe the holiday and may be closed during regular business hours.
New Year's Day (Año Nuevo): this Western calendar holiday is celebrated with as much enthusiasm (and alcohol abuse) as it is in most other Western countries. Most businesses and individuals observe the holiday and may be closed during regular business hours.
March/April festivals
Semana Santa: arguably the most well known festival in Latin America, Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week) takes place late March or early April depending on where the Easter holiday falls by year. The most vibrant festivities are held in Guatemala City or Antigua, and last for a week.
Semana Santa: arguably the most well known festival in Latin America, Semana Santa (Easter Holy Week) takes place late March or early April depending on where the Easter holiday falls by year. The most vibrant festivities are held in Guatemala City or Antigua, and last for a week.
September festivals
Dia de la Independencia: this holiday commemorates the day Guatemala won independence and established a constitution. The holiday is celebrated nationally, but the largest festivities take place in Antigua and Guatemala City.
Dia de la Independencia: this holiday commemorates the day Guatemala won independence and established a constitution. The holiday is celebrated nationally, but the largest festivities take place in Antigua and Guatemala City.
Dia de Los Mertos: also known as the Day of the Dead, this holiday commemorates ancestors and is celebrated in a similar way to All Saints Day with floats and parades. Most festivities continue well into the night. The celebration of the Day of the Dead takes place the day after All Saints Day, on 2 November.
December festivals
Navidad: Christmas is a large part of the culture in Guatemala. With 90 per cent of Guatemalans being either Catholic or Protestant, this holiday is huge all over the country. Celebrated with religious services and feasts, the majority of the celebrations take place on Christmas Day (25 December).
Navidad: Christmas is a large part of the culture in Guatemala. With 90 per cent of Guatemalans being either Catholic or Protestant, this holiday is huge all over the country. Celebrated with religious services and feasts, the majority of the celebrations take place on Christmas Day (25 December).