
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.