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Why Include Guatemala's festivals in your wedding plans


If you're seeking a wedding that's nothing short of extraordinary, Guatemala is the ideal destination to bring your dream celebration to life. Guatemala's festivals, rich traditional music, and delicious cuisine create an ambiance that will mesmerize and enchant you and your guests. Come and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Guatemalan people and make unforgettable memories on your special day.


Why Choose Guatemala for Your Destination Wedding?


Guatemala isn’t just a tropical paradise; it’s a realm where ancient traditions blend harmoniously with the present. Imagine saying "I do" in front of a sky filled with sparkling stars while the aroma of traditional Guatemalan foods wafts through the air. The allure of Guatemala lies not only in its picturesque landscapes but also in the soul-stirring festivals that light up its streets.

Municipality Palace in Antigua Guatemala featuring a guatemalan flag

Dive into Guatemala's festivals


Guatemala boasts a rich tapestry of festivals, each one more vibrant and captivating than the last. Consider the awe-inspiring Semana Santa in Antigua, where the city streets are adorned with brightly colored carpets made of sawdust and flower petals. Imagine your guests being swept away by the breathtaking sight of enormous kites taking flight during the Giant Kite Festival in Sumpango, an event that symbolizes a deep connection with departed loved ones.


Plan Your Wedding Around Guatemala's festivals


Planning your wedding around Guatemala’s festivals ensures that your special day becomes not just a celebration of love, but also a deep dive into the heart of Guatemalan culture. Envision your guests savoring the delectable flavors of traditional Guatemalan cuisine, swaying to the rhythmic beats of marimba music, and being enthralled by the infectious energy of local folk dances. The laughter, the music, and the vibrant colors of the festivals will create cherished memories that will be etched in your hearts forever.


The Perfect Blend of Romance and Tradition


Mariachi band in a green balcony
Courtesy of Uxen Studio

Imagine exchanging vows during the Fiesta de Santiago in Antigua, surrounded by the echoes of ancient traditions. The rhythmic procession, the vibrant attire, and the genuine smiles of the locals will infuse your wedding with an unparalleled charm. Or perhaps, you fancy the mystical ambiance of Dia de Los Santos, where the sky is adorned with colossal kites, symbolizing a connection with the afterlife. What better way to celebrate your union than under the watchful eyes of these soaring, vibrant creations?


A Detailed List of Guatemalan Festivals:


1. Carnival: Celebrated in February, especially in Retalhuleu and Livingston. It's a family-friendly event marked by lively parades and colorful costumes.


2. Semana Santa (Holy Week): Weeklong observance of Christian Holy Week, with Antigua hosting some of the most impressive processions and vibrant alfombras (sawdust carpets).


3. Jueves de Ascension (Ascension Day): Celebrated on May 9th at Lake Chicabal, featuring traditional music, flowers, and prayers by the lakeshore, offering a serene and spiritual experience.


4. Fiesta de Santiago (Antigua Fair): Held on July 25th in Antigua, marked by processions, concerts, folkloric dancing, and carnival rides, creating a lively atmosphere.


5. La Fiesta Nacional Indigena de Guatemala (National Folkloric Festival): On July 27th in Coban, indigenous groups gather to perform traditional dances and music. The festival’s centerpiece is a pageant where Maya women compete for the title of Queen, showcasing their commitment to Maya values and traditions.


6. Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asunción (Day of Our Lady of Assumption): Celebrated on August 15th, patron saint of Guatemala City, with parades, fairs, and parties held throughout the country.


7. Dia de la Independencia (Independence Day): September 15th commemorates Guatemala’s independence from Spain in 1821. The day is celebrated with dances, regional fairs, and spectacular fireworks, especially in Quetzaltenango.


8. Dia de Los Santos (All Saints Day): Celebrated on November 1st, marked by families paying respects to deceased relatives, adorning family graves, and flying kites symbolically communicating with the dead. Noteworthy celebrations occur in Santiago Sacatepéquez, Sumpango, and Todos Santos Cuchumatan.


9. Festival de Barriletes Gigantes (Giant Kite Festival): Celebrated on November 1st in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez, featuring the construction and flying of large, colorful kites to honor the dead.


10. Fiesta de Santo Tomas (Chichicastenango Fair): Extending from December 14th to the 21st, this fair includes activities such as young men climbing a pole known as the Palo volador, nativity scenes, handmade Christmas ornaments, and processions known as posadas.


11. Vispera de Año Nuevo (New Year’s Eve): Celebrated throughout Guatemala with people wearing new clothes for good fortune, parties, spontaneous dances, music, and essential fireworks. Zany traditions include toritos, where men wear cages of bottle rockets and charge the crowds while dancing.


Create Lasting Memories


Choosing Guatemala for your destination wedding means not only celebrating your love story but also embarking on an unforgettable cultural adventure. Your wedding will be a fusion of romance and tradition, a harmonious blend of your unique love and Guatemala's festivals.


couple enjoying their first kiss under a night with fireworks
Courtesy of Uxen Studio

So, dear couples, why settle for the ordinary when you can have an extraordinary wedding experience in Guatemala? Let the beats of traditional drums, the aroma of local delicacies, and the laughter of friendly locals be the soundtrack to your special day. Come, discover Guatemala, and let your love story be woven into the colorful fabric of its festivals. Your dream wedding awaits amidst the vibrant tapestry of Guatemala's folklore!



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