Christmas in Guatemala: Burning of the Devil (Quema del Diablo)

There’s an interesting tradition that takes place in Guatemala every December 7th. It is called the “Quema del Diablo” (Burning of the Devil), where a paper figure of the Devil is burned to the roar of the crowd. This happens all across the country, at 6 p.m. Since we missed it last year, our familyContinue reading “Christmas in Guatemala: Burning of the Devil (Quema del Diablo)”

Visit San Antonio Aguascalientes Textiles Market

One of Guatemala’s most well-known exports is traditional textiles, woven by Maya women, many who learn the craft from a very young age. As far as textiles go, the town of San Antonio Aguascalientes (translated as San Antonio Hot Springs, or “Hot Waters” if you prefer the more literal translation) has the best reputation forContinue reading “Visit San Antonio Aguascalientes Textiles Market”

Wuto Antigua Guatemala: Learn to Knit the Easy Way

*** Wuto is now closed *** Did you know that knitting is not really a well-practiced art in Guatemala? I learned this surprising fact while visiting Wuto, a premium wool shop in Antigua Guatemala. But wait, there’s more. While the weaving of textiles has long been a Maya tradition, that is not the case with theContinue reading “Wuto Antigua Guatemala: Learn to Knit the Easy Way”

Surfing In Guatemala: Visiting El Paredon Surf Camp

I took my first surfing lessons a few years ago in the pleasant, beginner-surfer friendly beaches of Hawaii. It did not go well. I flopped around like a fish out of water – except I was surrounded by water – and had a miserable time overall. Not only did I never manage to stand upContinue reading “Surfing In Guatemala: Visiting El Paredon Surf Camp”

Antigua Guatemala Patron Saint Festival

I love Guatemala celebrations because they’re fun for the family, as opposed to Holy Week celebrations, where the sheer crush of people – and pickpockets – can make the experience uncomfortable at best.  Patron Saint festivals, or patronales as they’re called here, are mostly attended by the locals, giving it a different feel than tourist-attendedContinue reading “Antigua Guatemala Patron Saint Festival”