What are some important events in Guatemala?
- Guatemala Background.
- Early Democratic Reform. 1944 –1953.
- U.S.-Backed Coup, Civil War Starts. 1954–1965.
- Civilian Rule Restored, Human Rights Violations Continue.
- Mass Exodus.
- Efrain Rios Montt Seizes Power, Amnesty for Human Rights Violators.
- Peace Negotiations, Civil War Ends.
- Reconciliation Begins, Immunity Remains.
What is Guatemala famous for?
Guatemala is best known for its volcanic landscape, fascinating Mayan culture and the colorful colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this small Central American country has a wealth of homegrown produce and talent.
What is the most important holiday in Guatemala?
The most famous celebration in all of Guatemala is Semana Santa—the weeklong observance of Christian Holy Week. The festivities in Antigua are arguably the most impressive in Latin America.
What are some of Guatemala’s traditions?
11 Guatemalan Traditions and Customs Only Locals Will Understand
- Bare knuckle boxing on Good Friday.
- Drunken horse racing.
- Holy Week parades in Antigua Guatemala.
- Leaving cigarettes and alcohol for a syncretic saint.
- Dancing on your family grave on All Saints’ Day.
- Patterned clothing which reveals where you are from.
What are some historical facts about Guatemala?
11 Surprising Cultural Facts You Didn’t Know About Guatemala
- The national bird lends its name to the Guatemalan currency.
- Guatemala means “land of many trees”
- It has been inhabited for 20,000 years.
- 22 languages are spoken in the country.
- The CIA overthrew a socialist government in 1954.
What is the name of the dollar in Guatemala?
What is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)? GTQ is the foreign exchange abbreviation for the Guatemalan quetzal. It is the official currency of Guatemala, and is subdivided into 100 centavos. As of December 2020, 1 GTQ is worth US $0.13.
What are 5 interesting facts about Guatemala?
What is Guatemala known for producing?
The major exports are chemical products and coffee, followed by sugar, bananas, crude petroleum, and cardamom. The exports of vegetables, fresh fruits, cut flowers, and seafoods are of increasing importance.
What Guatemala celebrates today?
Guatemala’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 15. This holiday is celebrated like others in Guatemala — with dancing, music, parades, food, and fireworks.
What is a unique Semana Santa tradition in Guatemala?
Guatemalans hang curtains, cloth bows, and paper decorations of purple, red, lilac and yellow in doorways and windows to signify the suffering and royalty of Jesus. The procession on Palm Sunday includes andas (“floats”) displaying scenes of the figures of Christ and the Holy Virgin of Sorrow.
What is a surprising fact about Guatemala?
It boasts the tallest volcano in Central America In a region where volcanoes are a common sight, Guatemala takes the title for the tallest one in Central America. Tajumulco, in the north of the country near the Mexican border, reaches 4,203 metres above sea level.
What is the brief history of Guatemala?
Brief History of Guatemala: Guatemala was home to the ancient civilization of the Maya. This was a powerful and advanced civilization that built many pyramids that we can still visit today. The Maya civilization was at its height from around 250 AD to 900 AD in what was called the Classic Period.
What are the names of the festivals in Guatemala?
On July 27th, Coban holds its annual Rabin Ajau festival. At this Guatemalan festival, indigenous groups gather from around the country to perform traditional dances and ancestral music.
Where do they celebrate Ascension Day in Guatemala?
Each year on May 9th, the Ascension Day is celebrated at Lake Chicabal, a highland crater lake sacred to the Mam Maya. This Guatemalan celebration includes traditional music, flowers and prayers by the lakeshore. The deepest respect is to be shown to the participants.
When do they celebrate the carnival in Guatemala?
Some of these groups trace their origins to 16th-century Franciscan missionaries, a heritage that informs even the most raucous holiday events. The Carnival holiday is celebrated in February, in the week leading up to Lent. Guatemalan Carnival is much tamer and more family-friendly than the Carnivals held in Brazil.
What to expect when you go to Guatemala?
When you travel to Guatemala with us, you get to experience the beautiful traditions of the Mayan people as an honored guest while visiting schools that have one of our four educational programs. Check out just a few of the festive ways that students have greeted volunteers like YOU over the years!