[mommytoEli]

My daughter is writing a report on Guatemala for her SPanish class. Anyone knowledgeable in Guatemala know the answers to any of these questions? We are hoping for authentic answers, more than a wikipedia type answer. I'm hoping that some of you that have spent a lot of time there will know more than we do. LOL! thanks in advance

1. What kinds of foods do Guatemalan families eat during celebrations and holidays?

2. How do Guatemalans celebrate Christmas, Independence Day, Easter, and Day of the Dead?

any info would be appreciated

[netmon]

My daughter and I have been attending Mass in Spanish at our local church once a month. We have been fortunate enough to recently hook up with a family where both parents were born and raised in Guatemala City. I just asked about Christmas. They put up a tree before Christmas, but it always has a manger under it. Christmas eve is the time for celebration. They go to church as a family around 7 pm. Then Santa comes at about 9:30 or 10. they leave their shoes out on the front doorstep. He brings a present or two. Then they eat their traditional meal of Tamales. At midnight here they pray together as a family. In Guatemala, at midnight, there are fireworks and all go outside to wish their neighbors a merry christmas. Christmas day they visit with family and recover from Christmas Eve.

[cbmstephanie]

For Christmas they have a traditional meal of Tamales and they have hot chocolate at midnight.

[cbmstephanie]

For Day of the Dead in some parts of Guatemala, not all parts, they fly kites. They are really really big and beautiful!! They also celebrate with a traditional meal of Fiambre.

If you go to youtube and put in Guatemala or Day of the Dead you can see some awesome video's of the kites!

[JanCA]

Try La Antigua Guatemala Daily Photo I learn more about Guatemalan culture and foods through this guy's site. The photos are great too. You can search any holiday by name and he usually mentions customs and FOOD!

[Quesita]

The posadas are part of the traditional Christmas celebration in Guatemala. Groups of people walk together to reinact the journey of Mary and Joseph through the streets at night.

Here is a link to some info.

Christmas traditions in Guatemala

[Lexi73]

Easter celebrations begin on Palm Sunday. Catholics attend massive processions, Protestants celebrate in their churches or go on retreats. Antigua Daily also has lots of pics from Semana Santa (Holly Week) in Antigua. Special dry-season candy is made.

Independence day: a bit controversial b/c of the war and the association of parades, etc. with the army. It is seen just as a holiday to rest, go to the beach, visit family, etc.

Principal holidays: Easter, Xmas Eve, All Saints (Nov 1). Each city and town has its own patron saint feast. Big celebrations and no school!

[JosieWales]

Easter: processions of each stage leading up until Jesus' crucifixtion go on all week--they are amazing. Also, alformbras--carpets--are made using dried flowers, colored sawdust, etc, for the processions to walk on. These are gorgeous! I have tons of pictures from when we were there in Easter 2007, if you want some.

[mommytoEli]

thanks guys for all the answers! my daughter thanks you too anyone else feel free to chime in...her report isn't due until next week.

[widgit]

We were on pick up during All Saints Day which is the day that kites are flown. They are huge and beautiful. My understanding is that Day of the Dead is similar to our Halloween and All Saints Day is the day with kites, and most families set up altars in the cemetary for their loved ones.

[angel_bayou]

Easter has the processions and the murals they do on the streets are AWESOME!!

Christmas they have tamales and the hot chocolate at midnight!!