Celebrations, traditional Festivals and markets in Guatemala

Guatemala, a small country located in the heart of the Mayan world, is characterized by an exceptional cultural diversity and a lot of celebrations and festivals. The last census distinguishes four major ethnic communities: Mestizo 60%, Maya 39.7%, Xinca 0.2%, Garifuna 0.1%.

The cultural diversty is perfectly reflected in the customs and traditions of the country. We see it especially in the markets – colorful and omnipresent – and through the religious festivals.

Guatemalan Festivities

A mix of Mayan and Catholic traditions

The Catholic festivities are steeped in Mayan culture and pre-Hispanic religions. Villagers dress in their colorful traditional costumes and unite to celebrate the town’s patron saint through rituals, dances, and processions.

November 1st, “Día de Todos los Santos” (Feast of All Saints or All Saints’ Day) is the most significant event of the year. Hundreds of families visit to cemeteries to lay carnations, gladioli and colorful callas on the graves of loved ones. The famous Fiambre is prepared in the kitchens: a cold dish that brings together meats, sausages, vegetables, cheeses and spices.

The giant Kites of Sumpango

Certain villages such as Sumpango or Santiago Sacatepéquez organize a festival of giant kites for the occassion. Dozens of colorful kites up to 15 meters wide can be seen flying in cemetaries. They represent a communication link between the souls of loved ones who have passed and their families on earth, and convey messages of peace.

In the Huehuetenango department, the village of Todos Santos Cuchumatán celebrates “el día de Todos los Santos” in a completely different way: the Carrera de las Ánimas, or “Race of the Souls”, brings together the villagers for a horse race. In this tradition, riders ride drunk on horseback wearing the ceremonial costume of Todos Santos Cuchumatanes. To increase the risk of the race, riders do not receive their horses until dawn that morning.

Celebrations and festivals in Guatemala by date

There are a significant number of patronal festivals. They are a wonderful opportunity to experience the Guatemalan culture from the inside and to meet its population.

Here is a selection of traditional festivals held throughout the year, in various regions of the country.

The Markets in Guatemala

Color, traditions and flavors

Vibrant mixes of color, traditions and flavors… you’ll be delighted by the beauty of the markets during your trip to Guatemala. Markets punctuate daily life. Women bring the products that will be sold to the village: fruits and vegetables, eggs and cheeses, fabric and crafts. They wear their traditional costume, the patterns of which change depending on the city, region or social status.

Chichicastenango Market

One of the most visited markets in the country is the Chichicastenango market in the department of Quiché. The city of 60,000 inhabitants nestled at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level hosts the market two days a week, Thursday and Sunday. Early in the morning, the shamans are observed burning Copal resin on the steps of Santo Tomás Church. The smell of incense invades the mazes of the market. Flower sellers display their wares in the church square.

Other traditional guatemalan markets

We also particularly appreciate the market in the village of San Francisco el Alto near Quetzaltenango or  the one at Todos Santos Cuchumatán in the highlands of Huehuetenango.

Whichever region you visit, whatever the time of year, you can always enjoy the markets during your trip to Guatemala. Some are permanent, others are only held on specific days. It can therefore be interesting to adapt your itinerary according to market days, or according to the calendar of traditional festivals.