Guatemala remains a country that is Roman Catholic because of the Spanish influence, even though the culture and history involved in their holiday celebrations are Mayan. Because of this, the spectacular parades, food, and partying maintain authentic Latin spirit but are closely linked to religion. Guatemalan culture is unique and unmistakably present at each and every one of the local celebrations that begin on New Year’s and run through Navidad (Christmas).

Mayan New Year

This is a funny little celebration because, unlike New Year’s Eve and day in America, it happens on different days of the year. The reason for this is that the Mayan calendar has 260 days. Regardless of what day of the year Guatemala’s New Year’s Day falls on, one thing is constant and absolute. That being that a sense of renewal and the Mayan way of life will be greatly celebrated at sites that are considered sacred throughout all of Guatemala.

Dia de Los Muertos

This is possibly one of the most well-known, favorite, and talked about celebrations of the year. If you’re into local Guatemalan dishes, this is the only time of year that you can get ‘fiambre’, a dish locally prepared and served only on this day of festivities. The name of the celebration, Dia de Los Muertos, translates into Day of the Dead. It is Latin in origin and observed on November 2 throughout Guatemala. To honor the occasion, Todos Santos Cuchumatán features wild horse racing, and Santiago Sacatepéquez is where everyone goes to fly beautiful, multicolored kites.

Dia de la Asuncion

In Joyabaj, August 15 is the day of assumption and celebrated with a festival called Dia de la Asuncion. Stop what you’re doing to watch the extraordinary site taking place on poles that reach to the sky. Men swing upside down from these polls skillfully and, seemingly, fearlessly in a display known as ‘palo volador’.

Coban Folklore Festival

It is the dream of many Guatemalan girls to be crowned the Mayan beauty queen at this folklore Festival which takes place in early August or late July every year. Dance and music are showcased and display the indigenous traditions of the area. Locally, the festival goes by the name of Rabin Ajau and takes place in a highland-located town surrounded by coffee plantations and cloud forests. The town exports various spices, a favorite of which is cardamom.

Semana Santa

Solely dependent on the Christian calendar, in April or March, the holy week of Easter is celebrated as Semana Santa. Throughout Guatemala major festivities honoring the religious holiday take place. Catholicism mixes with Mayan tradition during these celebratory events.

Coffee Harvest Celebration

On the second and fourth of every February, the arrival of the harvest of coffee beans is joyously celebrated. High-quality coffee is a major export in Guatemala, and they are world famous for their delicious, incomparable beans and blends. Dancing and food and massive processions take place all over town during this annual java-honoring celebration.

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