Major Events & Festivals in Guatemala City, Guatemala

Guatemala City, Guatemala, Guatemala City, Culture & Entertainment, Major Events & Festivals

Major Events & Festivals in Guatemala City, Guatemala

1. Semana Santa (Holy Week)

A series of religious events leading up to Easter, featuring elaborate processions and street decorations.
  • Rich Tradition: Experience a centuries-old tradition with unique Guatemalan cultural influences.
  • Colorful Parades: Witness spectacular floats and intricate carpets made of dyed sawdust.
  • Spiritual Experience: Join the devout crowd for a deeply moving religious experience.

2. Fiesta de la Candelaria

A month-long celebration honoring the Virgin of Candelaria, featuring music, food, and dance.
  • Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Guatemalan culture during this popular festivity.
  • Delicious Food: Savor traditional dishes such as tamales and candelitas during food vendors.
  • Dance Performances: Watch traditional dancers in colorful costumes perform intricate routines.

3. Festival Internacional de las Artes

An international arts festival showcasing visual art, music, theater, and dance.
  • Cultural Exchange: Connect with artists from around the world and experience diverse artistic expressions.
  • Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops led by renowned artists.
  • Live Performances: Enjoy live music and dance performances throughout the city.

4. Fiestas Patronales de San Juan

Celebration of St. John the Baptist, featuring food, music, and traditional dances.
  • Local Heritage: Discover the unique traditions and heritage of Guatemalan communities.
  • Delicious Food: Savor traditional dishes such as grilled meats and corn on the cob.
  • Dance Performances: Watch traditional dancers in colorful costumes perform intricate routines.

5. La Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil)

A celebration on November 1st where effigies of the devil are burned to drive out evil spirits.
  • Unique Tradition: Witness a unique Guatemalan tradition with a fiery twist.
  • Community Bonding: Join the local crowd for an exciting and lively celebration.
  • Symbolic Meaning: Reflect on the symbolism of driving out evil spirits as the new year begins.

6. Feria de Noviembre (November Fair)

A month-long fair featuring artisanal products, food, and live entertainment.
  • Artisan Markets: Shop for unique Guatemalan handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry.
  • Delicious Food: Savor traditional dishes and desserts from various regions of Guatemala.
  • Live Music & Dance: Enjoy live performances of traditional music and dance.

7. Feria de San Arcangel

A celebration honoring St. Archangel Michael, featuring food, music, and religious processions.
  • Local Devotion: Witness the deep devotion of Guatemalans to their patron saint.
  • Traditional Music & Dance: Enjoy live performances of traditional music and dance during the festivities.
  • Delicious Food: Savor traditional dishes such as tamales, candelitas, and atole.

8. Fiesta de la Virgen de los Remedios

A celebration of the Virgin of the Remedies, featuring food, music, and religious processions.
  • Religious Significance: Join the faithful in honoring a revered Guatemalan saint.
  • Traditional Music & Dance: Enjoy live performances of traditional music and dance during the festivities.
  • Delicious Food: Savor traditional dishes such as tamales, candelitas, and atole.

9. Fiesta del Pato (Duck Festival)

A celebration of the Pato Caique, a native Guatemalan duck, featuring music, dance, and food.
  • Local Wildlife: Learn about the unique native waterfowl of Guatemala.
  • Traditional Music & Dance: Enjoy live performances of traditional music and dance during the festivities.
  • Delicious Food: Savor dishes featuring the Pato Caique, such as grilled duck and tamales.

10. Festival de la Virgen de las Nieves

A celebration honoring the Virgin of the Snows, featuring food, music, and religious processions.
  • Religious Significance: Join the faithful in honoring a revered Guatemalan saint.
  • Traditional Music & Dance: Enjoy live performances of traditional music and dance during the festivities.
  • Delicious Food: Savor traditional dishes such as tamales, candelitas, and atole.

11. Fiestas Patronales de San Bartolome

Celebration of St. Bartholomew, featuring food, music, and traditional dances.
  • Local Heritage: Discover the unique traditions and heritage of Guatemalan communities.
  • Delicious Food: Savor traditional dishes such as grilled meats and corn on the cob.
  • Dance Performances: Watch traditional dancers in colorful costumes perform intricate routines.

12. Fiestas Patronales de San Pedro

Celebration of St. Peter, featuring food, music, and traditional dances.
  • Local Heritage: Discover the unique traditions and heritage of Guatemalan communities.
  • Delicious Food: Savor traditional dishes such as grilled meats and corn on the cob.
  • Dance Performances: Watch traditional dancers in colorful costumes perform intricate routines.

13. Fiestas Patronales de San Juan Bautista

Celebration of St. John the Baptist, featuring food, music, and traditional dances.
  • Local Heritage: Discover the unique traditions and heritage of Guatemalan communities.
  • Delicious Food: Savor traditional dishes such as grilled meats and corn on the cob.
  • Dance Performances: Watch traditional dancers in colorful costumes perform intricate routines.

14. Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen del Rosario

Celebration of the Virgin of the Rosary, featuring food, music, and religious processions.
  • Religious Significance: Join the faithful in honoring a revered Guatemalan saint.
  • Traditional Music & Dance: Enjoy live performances of traditional music and dance during the festivities.
  • Delicious Food: Savor traditional dishes such as tamales, candelitas, and atole.

15. Fiestas Patronales de San Miguel Arcangel

Celebration of St. Michael the Archangel, featuring food, music, and traditional dances.
  • Local Heritage: Discover the unique traditions and heritage of Guatemalan communities.
  • Delicious Food: Savor traditional dishes such as grilled meats and corn on the cob.
  • Dance Performances: Watch traditional dancers in colorful costumes perform intricate routines.