10 very interesting traditions and customs of Guatemala

Several customs and traditions of Guatemala full of folklore, mythology and local culture.

Guatemala is a Central American country that is home to the largest city in Central America, Guatemala City, as well as being the most populated country in this region.

This ecologically and biologically diverse country also has a rich and complex history, having been home (along with other nearby countries such as Mexico) to civilizations such as the Maya.

Another aspect to highlight, often integrating traditions of the Maya and other pre-Columbian peoples with those brought by the Spanish during the conquest of America. In order to visualize part of this cultural richness, throughout this article we are going to learn about a series of traditions and customs of Guatemala.

10 traditions and customs of Guatemala

Here we present a dozen of beautiful traditions and customs of this country, mostly centered on festivities of different localities of the country (some of which are shared (some of which are shared by other nearby countries).

1. The kites of Sumpango Sacatepéquez

In Sumpango (or Santiago) Sacatepéquez, during the Day of the Dead (November 1) there is a tradition of making huge handmade paper kites, which symbolize a bridge or point of union between our world and the underworld. They also represent a gateway to the spirits, who can return to their old homes and families through them.

The next day, first of all these kites or kites are raised to finally set them on fire, representing the smoke as a guide for the spirits to return to the afterlife.. It is also said that these traditions ward off evil spirits. It is also a celebration that has been recognized as a cultural heritage of Guatemala.

2. The dance of the flying stick

The dance of the flying stick, in Quiché, is a tradition in which a huge tree trunk is placed on a rotating structure, from which several dancers hang from above while dancing and spinning.

These dancers represent the Popol Vuh legend of the twins Hunbatz and Hunchouén, who were transformed into monkeys.who were transformed into monkeys as punishment for having wished the death of their younger brothers.

3. Belejeb B'atz: Day of the Mayan Woman

Another tradition that can be seen in Guatemala comes from the ancient Maya. Belejeb B'atz is the day of the Mayan woman, which is celebrated every 260 days (based on the lunar calendar of this civilization).

This celebration celebrates the day when, according to Mayan mythology, women were created, as well as the important role that this civilization gave to women.and the important role that this civilization gave to women. It represents vital energy, wisdom, beauty and faithfulness, creation and mystery. Women dress up and Mayan ceremonies are held in honor of indigenous mothers.

4. The burning of the little bull

Originating after the Spanish conquest, in this tradition a wooden bull covered with different types of fireworks is made and then placed on top of a man who dances while chasing passers-by once the pyrotechnic elements are lit. It is usually held in front of churches.

5. The burning of the devil

This tradition takes place every December 7, at 6:00 p.m., and in it, a piñata is burned in the a piñata in the shape of a devil is burned.. The objective of this tradition is to purify the sins and bad things that have happened during the year.

6. The Tope de Mayo

Also known as the dance of the Flowers, this is one of the most well known dances of the Jalapa region. It is a celebration in which love and admiration for the springtime is expressed, as well as asking for the arrival of goodIt is a celebration that expresses love and admiration for spring, as well as asking for the arrival of good harvests. In this dance, several dancers dance around a tree trunk, tying and braiding colored ribbons and ribbons and then unbraiding them while dancing.

7. Preparation of cold meat

Probably one of the best known dishes of Guatemalan gastronomy is the fiambre, a traditional and highly multicultural dish in which we find a large number of ingredients, mostly vegetables and sausages (although sometimes cheeses, fish and seafood are incorporated).

There are numerous regional variationsThere are numerous regional variations, being especially well known the red and white fiambre, and it is usually prepared for the Day of the Dead celebrations.

8. The dance of the torito

Although its name resembles the burning of the little bull, it is a different tradition.

It is a dance in which several dancers It is a dance in which several dancers, dressed as different characters, represent a traditional story about cattle ranching in which about the cattle ranch in which several cowboys wanted to fight with a bull but their foreman did not allow it, something that made the cowboys get him drunk and finally the foreman ends up dying at the hands of his fiercest bull. This dance lasts ten hours a day for ten days, in which the participants dress in colorful costumes and masks, with Mayan mythological elements.

9. The breaking of shells

A tradition typical of Carnival day, is based on the idea of decorating eggshells and filling them with flour or confetti in order to break them on the heads of other people. in order to break them on the heads of other people. These shells are usually prepared as a family or in society, often starting on February 2.

10. The Holy Week

The Holy Week is an internationally present tradition, being very important in Guatemala.. This week is lived in family, with a high presence of processions and religious events. Among the most specific traditions we can find the elaboration of carpets with sawdust of different colors, often with intricate ornamental motifs, through which the processions pass.

Bibliographical references:

• Lara Figueroa, C. (2005). Magic and Mystery of Guatemala Collection. Guatemala: Prensa Libre/Celso Lara.