An awesome place : Guatemala and major festivals: The enigmatic Mayan culture that still inhabits the highlands offers authentic experiences through unique religious syncretism. This syncretism is a mixture of the Catholic faith brought by the Spaniards and the Mayan beliefs that are present in the festivals and celebrations that natives develop during all year.
Major Festivals in Guatemala : Palo Volador. Performers test out their abilities to the Palo Volador throughout the festivity of their Saint; incredibly extra tall pine poles are consecrated and set up within the plaza for that ceremony. Pole dancers climb up in pairs to the top level via platforms and ropes, and then they rotate at the end of the lines dizzyingly (and alarmingly) down in terrific swooping circles. The ceremony’s roots should lay inside the Maya traditions of Yaxche, the tree of life. The places where celebrates El Palo Volador are: July 25th in Cubulco Baja Verapaz. Cubulco is located in Baja Verapaz 196 kms from Guatemala City (3 hours). August 15th in Joyabaj Quiche: Joyabaj is located 216 kms from Guatemala City, about 70 kms away from Chichicastenango
Giant Kites in Santiago & Sumpango Sacatepequez. The town of Santiago Sacatepequez is of Cakchiquel origins, and it is found 30 Kilometers from La Antigua Guatemala. Through the morning hours, people within this village gather inside the narrow roads and start their procession towards the community cemetery. Then, they participate in the most vibrant traditions of Guatemala, flying gigantic kites to talk with their family and friends that have past away. The special event happens in the cemetery, and it finishes having a delicious meal as well as a traditional dish known as “fiambre.” See more details on Guatemala Vacations.
Extra Guatemala attractions: Lake Atitlan has been described by many as the most beautiful lake in the world, and visitors who make the journey here will not be disappointed. In the high country, less than a two-hour drive from Guatemala City and less than an hour and a half from Antigua, Lake Atitlan sits at 1,538 meters above sea level and is surrounded by hills and volcanoes. The lake was formed in a volcanic crater, and three spectacular volcanoes are the backdrop for the clear waters and the quaint villages found along its shores. The prime entry point is the city of Panajachel. After exploring the main street, lined with all kinds of vendors selling their blankets and goods in stalls and alleyways, visitors can make their way to the waterfront to catch a water taxi. Boats line up here to take passengers to the villages of San Pedro, Santiago Atitlan, San Andres Semetabaj, Santa Catarina Palopo, San Lucas Toliman, and even smaller secondary villages or private hotels.
Situated in the lowland rainforest of northern Guatemala, Tikal is one of the top tourist attractions in Guatemala due to its beauty and ancient wonders. The name Tikal translates as “Place of Voices” (sometimes, “Place of Tongues”) and once boasted a bustling population of a quarter million or more. Today, however, all that is left of this ancient metropolis are a number of beautiful Mayan ruins. The city is surrounded by a large wildlife preserve, full of monkeys, parrots, deer, macaws and other incredible specimens. You’ll need to set aside a minimum of two days for a thorough exploration of this natural gem. Discover extra information on martsam.com.