AWESOME ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA MEMORIES REVISITED 2023

 

                                                             

Antigua, Guatemala which is simply refered to as Antigua is a city located in the central highlands of Guatemala. It was founded in 1524 by Spanish conquistadors and served as the capital of the "Kingdom of Guatemala" until 1773. The city's rich history and well-preserved colonial architecture make it a popular destination for tourists and history buffs alike.

I was captivated with Antigua from our initial visit. As tourists, my husband and I had visited Antigua with a group of local residents from Puerto Vallarta during Antigua's incredible Semana Santa (Easter Week) celebrations. It was some years later that we remembered its many attractive attributes and we couldn’t resist the allure. It did not take long to pack our bags leaving Mexico behind and move to Antigua for a new living experience.

Above vintage photo of Antigua way, way back when. 

Antigua is a charming colonial city located in the central highlands of Guatemala. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and for good reason. With its cobblestone streets, brightly colored colonial buildings, and breathtaking views of nearby volcanoes, Antigua is a traveler's paradise. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the top things to see and do in Antigua for travelers.

Antigua was founded in 1543 by Spanish conquistadors and for over 200 years it served as the capital of the Captaincy General of Gautemala which included present-day Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and parts of Mexico.

However, the city was destroyed several times by earthquakes, and in 1773 the capital was moved to the newly founded Guatemala City. Since then, Antigua has remained a small town with a rich colonial heritage. One of the main attractions in Antigua is the impressive collection of colonial-era buildings that have been beautifully preserved. 

                                          

One of the most distinctive features of Antigua is its architecture which blends Spanish Baroque, Mudejar, and indigenous styles. Many of the buildings in the historic center date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and are adorned with elaborate facades, ornate balconies, and intricately carved wooden doors. The city's main square, Parque Central, is a hub of activity and a great place to people-watch.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Antigua for travelers. One of the most popular attractions is the Santa Catalina Arch, a bright yellow archway that spans a narrow street in the city center. The arch was built in the 17th century and originally connected the Santa Catalina convent to a school across the street. Today, it's a symbol of Antigua and a popular spot for taking photos.

                                       

Overall Antigua Guatemala is a fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into the past. Its rich history, well-preserved architecture, and charming atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the colonial period of Central America. The locals are friendly and eager to please.  

Playing a Xylophone and selling trinkets in Antigua.

Like father playing a Xylophone for tips.

                                    

All of these attributes excited me with so much to see, do, and learn. I felt as though Antigua was a living museum that I could explore and learn from just by walking out the door and onto its cobble stoned streets. Very simply, Antigua was my kind of place as you can see in the above foto.

Holy Week, also known as Semana Santa, is one of the most important religious celebrations in Antigua Guatemala. The week leading up to Easter Sunday is marked by a series of colorful processions, traditional music, and elaborate street decorations.  Easter Sunday is the climax of the holy week celebration in Antigua with religious services and processions taking place throughout the city. The main event of the day is the Procession of Silence which takes place in the early hours of the morning and features a silent procession of hooded figures bearing large crosses. 

One of the main attractions of Holy Week in Antigua are the processions which take place throughout the city. These processions feature large floats depicting scenes from the Bible as well as costumed participants dressed as Roman soldiers and biblical figures. The processions are accompanied by traditional music, and are attended by thousands of people.

The following photographs were taken during the Semana Santa celebrations in Anitgua.

             

The above image shows the tapetas, or "carpets," made of flowers which line the street during the Holy week processions. 

                           

     

Another highlight of the towns surrounding Lake Atitlan are the local artisans. The area is known for its traditional ceramics, textiles, and woodcarvings and visitors can learn about the local artisans and crafts by visiting their workshops.

The towns surrounding Lake Atitlan also have a rich spiritual heritage. Visitors can visit traditional Mayan Temples and shrines many of which are still in use today. Visitors can also visit the local shamans and learn about traditional Mayan healing practices.

Overall, the towns surrounding Lake Atitlan are a unique destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the traditional culture and way of life of the Maya people. The towns are rich in cultural heritage and offer visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the local traditions and customs.   I loved Guatemala and it's wonderful people and culture.  Maybe it's time for a return visit!  

                            

As always, I look forward to hearing from my blog friends. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any comments, suggestions, or questions either by direct email or by leaving a comment on the web page. Until next time, saludos and gracias, Laura