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 a famous 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 two holidays are important in Guatemala?
Guatemalan public holidays include the following:New Years Day (Año Nuevo) January 1.Easter (Semana Santa; Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday inclusive) March/April.Labor Day (Día del Trabajo) May 1.Army Day (Día del Ejército) June 30.Assumption Day (Día de la Asunción) August 15.More items
What are some special traditions in Guatemala?
11 Guatemalan Traditions and Customs Only Locals Will UnderstandBare 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.More items •Jan 10, 2018
Why do they burn the devil in Guatemala?
In Guatemala, the tradition of la quema del diablo or burning of the devil symbolizes the ritual cleansing and banishment of bad spirits to usher in the Christmas season. Its a process of purification leading up to a holy season filled with important religious dates and other Guatemala Christmas traditions.
How is Holy Week Celebrated 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.
Why is La Quema del Diablo celebrated?
On December 7th, Guatemala celebrates a holiday called La Quema del Diablo, or “Burning the Devil,” a preparatory holiday in anticipation for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. It was later moved to December when there was a push to celebrate Marys triumph over evil.