Festivals in Guatemala

Want to experience the best festivals in Guatemala? You’re not alone—many people want to see these amazing events but aren’t sure where to start. That’s where we can help.

We’ll show you the top festivals in Guatemala, from the fun Feria de Jocotenango to the special Semana Santa celebrations.

In this article, you’ll learn how to:

• Find the coolest festivals in Guatemala
• Plan your trip for a great time
• Enjoy each festival with local tips

Get ready to explore Guatemala’s traditions—your festival adventure starts now!

Festivals in Guatemala: Guatemala City Highlights

Festivals in Guatemala in the capital city, Guatemala City, offer a variety of events, from national celebrations to cultural festivals. These include vibrant Independence Day festivities, fairs, and religious observances highlighting the country’s rich history and cultural traditions.

1. Feria de Jocotenango

Time & Location: The Feria de Jocotenango will take place from Saturday, August 5 to Tuesday, August 15, 2023. It will be open every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. The fair is held at Hipódromo del Norte, on 7th Avenue between 5th and 6th streets in Zone 2 of Guatemala City.

Event Details: The Feria de Jocotenango is a large festival in Guatemala City. It honors the Virgin of the Assumption, the city’s patron saint. People come with family and friends to enjoy food, music, and fun activities.

There are more than 300 booths that sell food, toys, and crafts. Religious processions take place where people carry the image of the Virgin of the Assumption through the streets. You can hear marimba music and see folkloric dancers perform.

Visitors can try tasty Guatemalan food like elotes locos, buñuelos, tostadas, and atol de elote. The fair has mechanical rides and fun games where you can win prizes.

Festivals in Guatemala: Antigua Guatemala Highlights

Festivals in Guatemala in Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city, are especially known for their impressive religious celebrations, particularly during Semana Santa. Its colonial architecture provides a beautiful setting for parades, processions, and cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.

2. Independence Day (Día de la Independencia)

Time & Location: Guatemala’s Independence Day is on September 15. The celebrations happen all day, with parades, music, and events in cities and towns across the country.

Event Details: Independence Day is an important holiday in Guatemala. It celebrates the country’s freedom from Spain, which happened on September 15, 1821.

In Antigua, the day is filled with parades, music, and cultural events. The streets are decorated with the national colors, blue and white, and you can hear marimba music playing everywhere. People wear traditional clothes or dress in the national colors.

The celebrations start with a flag-raising ceremony. There are marching bands, dancers, and other performances. You can also enjoy traditional foods, live music, and fireworks in the evening.

Independence Day is a time to enjoy Guatemala’s rich culture and feel the pride and joy of being part of this special nation. It’s a day for everyone to come together and celebrate.

See Also Guatemalan Wedding Traditions

3. Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Time & Location: Semana Santa, or Holy Week, happens every year before Easter. It starts on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. The dates change each year, but it’s usually in March or April. The biggest celebrations are on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Event Details: Holy Week, or Semana Santa, remembers the last week of Jesus’ life. It begins with Palm Sunday when people remember Jesus entering Jerusalem. The week includes Spy Wednesday, when Jesus was betrayed, and Maundy Thursday, when Jesus had the Last Supper.

The most important day is Good Friday when Jesus died. The week ends with Holy Saturday, remembering Jesus’ descent into hell.

In Antigua, Semana Santa is a special event. The streets are filled with colorful Alfombras or street carpets made of sawdust, flowers, and fruits. Locals make these carpets. They are placed along the path for the processions, which are long, religious walks with music and costumes.

Semana Santa in Antigua is moving and beautiful. People walk in processions carrying statues and images of Jesus. The streets are full of marching bands and the smell of incense. People wear traditional clothing and take part in prayers and celebrations.

The week ends on Easter Sunday with a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. This starts Eastertide, a season of joy. Semana Santa is a time for reflection, faith, and community, and it’s a chance to enjoy Guatemala’s rich culture and traditions.

Festivals in Guatemala: Rabinal Highlights

Festivals in Guatemala in Rabinal, located in Baja Verapaz, feature traditional Mayan performances and events. These festivals often include ancient dance dramas that tell historical and spiritual stories, helping preserve Indigenous cultural practices.

4. Rabinal Achí

Time & Location: Rabinal Achí takes place every January 25 in Rabinal, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala.

Event Details: Rabinal Achí is a Maya performance that has been around since the 1600s. It is one of the few performances that survived before colonization. The play is called Xajoj Tun, which means “Dance of the Tun” (a wooden drum).

The story is about a conflict between two cities, Rabinal and K’iche’. The performance has dancing, singing, and music from instruments like the slit-drum and trumpets.

The actors wear bright costumes and wooden masks to show different characters. The entire community is involved in the performance. This event is a way to honor Maya culture and remember the history of the region.

Each year, Rabinal Achí is performed to honor Saint Paul, the town’s patron saint. It is a colorful event that highlights Maya traditions and tells important stories about the past.

See Also Traditional Guatemalan Clothing

Festivals in Guatemala: Umpango & Santiago Sacatepéquez Highlights

Festivals in Guatemala in Umpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez, located in the highlands, are known for their unique celebrations that include traditional rituals and cultural expressions. These events are deeply tied to Indigenous heritage and celebrate community unity.

5. Festival de Barriletes Gigantes (Giant Kite Festival)

Time & Location: The Giant Kite Festival takes place on October 31 in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala.

Event Details: The Giant Kite Festival is a colorful and exciting celebration. Huge kites, some as big as several meters across, are made from paper and bamboo. They are decorated with bright colors and detailed designs. These kites are flown in cemeteries to honor the souls of the departed.

Once the All Saints’ Day celebrations are over, the kites are taken to Antigua. They are displayed in Parque Central, bringing color and art to the city.

The festival also features traditional dances, music, and delicious food. It’s a way for the people of Guatemala to remember those who have passed. The giant kites fill the sky and make the celebration more special.

Festivals in Guatemala: Chichicastenango Highlights

Festivals in Guatemala in Chichicastenango are notable for their mix of Catholic and indigenous celebrations. The town is well known for its lively festivals that include colorful processions, dances, and community gatherings, reflecting the area’s rich cultural identity.

6. Festival de Santo Tomás

Time & Location: The Festival de Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango, Guatemala, is held every year from December 13 to 21. In places like San Sebastián, Bilbao, Mondragón, and other cities in the Basque Country, Saint Thomas’ Day (December 21) is an important celebration.

Event Details: The Festival de Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango honors Saint Thomas, the town’s patron saint. The festival includes religious rituals as well as traditional events, including parades, dances, and processions. People wear colorful clothes and enjoy music and food.

Festivals in Guatemala: A Recap

Festivals in Guatemala are filled with excitement and culture. From the colorful kites at the Giant Kite Festival to the powerful traditions of Semana Santa, there’s something for everyone. The Rabinal Achí play tells ancient Mayan stories, while the Day of the Dead celebrations honor loved ones especially.

These festivals show off Guatemala’s deep history and traditions. Each one has a unique feel, from lively parades to important ceremonies.

Attending these festivals is a great way to connect with the country’s culture. It’s more than just a party – it’s a fun and unforgettable experience with music, color, and community.

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