Guatemala is a Central American country that is home to the largest city in Central America, Guatemala City, as well as being the most populous country in this region.

This country of great ecological and biological diversity also has a rich and complex history, having been home (along with other nearby countries such as Mexico) to civilizations such as the Maya.

Another aspect to highlight, often integrating traditions of the Mayas and other pre-Columbian peoples with those brought by the Spanish during the conquest of America. In order to visualize part of this cultural richness, throughout this article we are going to know a series of traditions and customs of Guatemala .

10 traditions and customs of Guatemala

Below we present you a dozen beautiful traditions and customs of this country, mostly centered on festivities in different localities of the country (some of which are shared by other nearby countries).

1. The kites of Sumpango Sacatepéquez

In Sumpango (or Santiago) Sacatepéquez, during the Day of the Dead (November 1st) there is a tradition of making huge paper kites, handmade, which symbolize a bridge or point of union of our world with the underworld. They also represent a gateway to the spirits, who can through them return to their former homes and families.

The next day, first these kites are raised and finally lit, representing the smoke as a guide for the spirits to return to the afterlife . It is also said that these traditions drive away evil spirits. It is also a celebration that has been recognized as cultural heritage of Guatemala.

2. The dance of the flying stick

The dance of the flying stick, in Quiché, is a tradition in which it is placed on a huge tree trunk in a rotating structure, from which various dancers hang themselves by throwing themselves from the top as they dance and turn.

These dancers represent the legend of the Popol Vuh of the twins Hunbatz and Hunchouén , who were transformed into monkeys as punishment for having desired the death of their younger brothers.

3. Belejeb B’atz: the day of the Mayan woman

Another tradition that can be seen in Guatemala comes from the ancient Mayas. The Belejeb B’atz is the day of the Mayan woman, which is celebrated every 260 days (based on the lunar calendar of this civilization).

In this celebration we celebrate the day in which according to Mayan mythology women were created , as well as the important role that this civilization gave to women. It represents the vital energy, wisdom, beauty and faithfulness, creation and mystery. Women dress up in festivities and Mayan ceremonies are held in honor of indigenous mothers.

4. The burning of the torito

Originating after the Spanish conquest, in this tradition a wooden bull covered with different types of fireworks is made, to be later placed on top of a man who dances while chasing the passers-by once the pyrotechnic elements are lit. It is usually carried out in front of churches.

5. The Devil’s Burning

This tradition takes place every December 7, at 6 pm, and in it a piñata in the shape of a devil is burned . The aim of this tradition is to purify the sins and bad things that have happened during the year.

6. El Tope de Mayo

Also known as the Dance of the Flowers, this is one of the most famous dances of the Jalapa region. It is a celebration in which expresses the love and admiration for spring , in addition to asking for the arrival of good crops. In this dance several dancers dance around a tree trunk, tying and braiding colored ribbons and strips and then unwrapping them as they dance.

7. Preparation of cold cuts

Probably one of the best known dishes in Guatemalan gastronomy is the cold meat, a traditional and highly multicultural dish in which we find a large number of ingredients, mostly vegetables and sausages (although sometimes cheese, fish and seafood are incorporated).

There are many regional variations , being especially known the red and white meat, and is usually made by the celebrations of the Day of the Dead.

8. The dance of the bull

Although its name is similar to the burning of the bull, it is a different tradition.

It is about a dance in which several dancers, dressed as different characters, represent a traditional story about cattle breeding in which several cowboys wanted to fight with a bull but their foreman did not allow it, something that made the cowboys get drunk and finally the foreman ends up dying at the hands of his bravest bull. This dance lasts ten hours a day for ten days, in which the participants dress up in colorful costumes and masks, with Mayan mythological elements.

9. The breaking of shells

A tradition typical of the day of Carnival, is based on the idea of decorating egg shells and filling them with flour or confetti in order to break them on the heads of the rest of the people. These shells are usually prepared in the family or in society, often from February 2.

10. The Holy Week

The Holy Week is a tradition present internationally, being very important in Guatemala . This week is lived with the family, with a high presence of processions and religious events. Among the more specific traditions we can find the elaboration of carpets with sawdust of different colors, often with intricate ornamental motifs, through which the processions pass.

Bibliographic references:

  • Lara Figueroa, C. (2005). Magia y Misterio de Guatemala Collection. Guatemala: Prensa Libre/Celso Lara.