Guatemalans celebrate All Saints Day on November 1 with unique traditions: giant kites are flown in the cemeteries near Antigua Guatemala, and many Guatemalans feast on a traditional food known as fiambre, a salad made from cold cuts, fish, and vegetables.

What is Guatemalan popular for?

Guatemala is best known for its volcanic landscape, fascinating Mayan culture and the colorful colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this small Central American country has a wealth of homegrown produce and talent.

What are some famous celebrations in Guatemala?

5 Guatemalan Festivals You Just Cant MissSemana Santa / Holy Week. When: March or April. Festival Folklórico de Cobán / Cobán Folkloric Festival. When: last week of July. Día de la Independencia / Independence Day. When: September 15th Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead. Feria de Santo Tomás / Feast of St. (Bonus!)Sep 16, 2016

What is important in Guatemalan culture?

Guatemalan people are largely mestizo, a mixture of Spanish and Maya blood, while many villagers are direct Maya descendants. Another important part of Guatemalan culture is its music and fashion. Guatemalan people are known for their percussion bands featuring the marimba, the national instrument.

What are 3 facts about Guatemala?

11 Surprising Cultural Facts You Didnt Know About GuatemalaThe national bird lends its name to the Guatemalan currency. Guatemala means “land of many trees” It has been inhabited for 20,000 years. 22 languages are spoken in the country. The CIA overthrew a socialist government in 1954.More items •Jan 3, 2018

What is unique about Guatemalan culture?

The culture of Guatemala reflects strong Mayan and Spanish influences and continues to be defined as a contrast between poor Mayan villagers in the rural highlands, and the urbanized and relatively wealthy mestizos population (known in Guatemala as ladinos) who occupy the cities and surrounding agricultural plains.

What day is the burning of the devil in Guatemala?

December 7th Burning of the Devil (La Quema del Diablo) The popular tradition in Guatemala held every year on December 7th, at 6:00 pm. Families make bonfires on the street, in front of their houses to burn the image of the Devil.

Why do people clean their house and burn garbage starting on December 7th in Guatemala?

As local priests began to put more emphasis on the Virgins triumph over evil, the celebration was pushed back to December to coincide with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. To cleanse their homes of evil on the night before the feast, Guatemalans would burn their trash on the eve of the feast.

What are some traditions in Guatemala?

11 Guatemalan Traditions and Customs Only Locals Will UnderstandBare knuckle boxing on Good Friday. Drunken horse racing. Holy Week parades in Antigua Guatemala. Leaving cigarettes and alcohol for a syncretic saint. Dancing on your family grave on All Saints Day. Patterned clothing which reveals where you are from.More items •10 Jan 2018

What do they symbolically set on fire in Guatemala for Christmas?

Every December 7 at 6:00 p.m. sharp, Guatemalans “burn the devil,” building bonfires outside their homes to mark the occasion. The tradition has special significance in Guatemala City because of its association with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception which honors the citys patron saint.

What do Guatemalans do on December 7 Why?

Every December 7 at 6:00 p.m. sharp, Guatemalans “burn the devil,” building bonfires outside their homes to mark the occasion. The tradition has special significance in Guatemala City because of its association with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception which honors the citys patron saint.