Antigua Guatemala | Guatemalan Life

Kid’s celebrate national childrens day in Guatemala

: Image via Wikipedia

Once a year the country of Guatemala celebrate a day set aside for children. Activities abound especially in Antigua. The one day of the year that is devoted to the happiness of children throughout the country. Wealthier city people donate presents and toys to be given to the kids out into the country.

Parque Central on October 2 is filled with children and parents, clowns and music, any thing and every thing that children love. It is a special time of year.

The church of La Merced and historic convent

The church of La Merced

The Mercedarian order was established in Guatemala in 1538, and the order had built a church in Antigua by 1546.

The church of La Merced was originally built in 1548. Its present form was designed in 1767 to withstand damaging earthquakes. The intricately-patterned yellow and white baroque-styled facade features important sculptures such as Our Lady of Las Mercedes and San Pedro Nolasco. Inside the ruins of the once-attached monastery stands.

The Church of LaMerced

Today Mercedarian church is popular a among tourists and locals alike. It sits at the end of Fifth Avenue Norte, the main shopping street in Antigua. The masses seem to be well attended. The small park on the south side of the of the church many locals enjoy the afternoon sun from this park.

Fuente de Pescados (Fountain of the Fish)

Within the ruined cloister stands enormous Fuente de Pescados (Fountain of the Fish), reputedly named for the fish-breeding experiments done there by the Mercedarian brothers. This is largest of Antigua’s many fountains, with a diameter of over 80 feet.

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Volcano by Lake Atitlan

Author Tom Johnson 9-28-09

Volcano near Lake Atitlan

Guatemala is known for volcanic activity. This picture was taken while riding in the mountains between Patzun and Lake Atitlan Guatemala. This is probably one of the largest eruptions I have ever witnessed. I have witnessed volcanic eruptions from Volcano Fuego outside of Antigua Guatemala several times but nothing like this.

After we witnessed this about 15 minutes later the U.N. helicopter flew over to drop off geologist to study the eruption.

Volcano's in Guatemala

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Central Park, Antigua Guatemala

Pictured here is the Central Park fountain in Antigua Guatemala. I just love hanging out here day and night. It is so peaceful even though there is a lot of activity around and in the park.

Shoe shine children in Central Park, Antigua Guatemala

In Central park this is a common site, shoe shine children. These children start work as young as four or five years old. Andrew and Becky of Escuela Integrada try there hardest to befriend these children and hopefully get them into school to get a good education. The problem is that a lot of these families depend on the income from these small children to put food on the table for the families.

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Guatemala Mountain Range

This picture was taken this past year while in Chuchuca Guatemala. Our family and a friend of ours was their doing some work on Escuala Integrada School. The school was in bad shape and needed a lot of work done to it so it could be back in safe operating order for the children.

Becky speaking to the students at Chuchuca Guatemala Escuela Integrada school. The school year just beginning and students excited about going back to school. Andrew and Becky Loveall run both this school and Escuela Integrada in Antigua Guatemala. If it was not for these two schools several of these Mayan children would not have a education.

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The Market in Antigua Guatemala

The Markets in Guatemala

Author Tom Johnson

The market in Antigua Guatemala is a must to see. When you are done looking at all the great architecture and scenery and want to really experience Guatemala you must stop at the market. The market is right next to the chicken bus terminal which is about 4 or 5 blocks from the center of town. If you have a problem finding the market, follow the sounds of the blowing bus horns and you cannot miss it.

The market is filled with all sorts of interesting things. If I lived in Antigua I would not shop any place else. Just take your shopping list and you can find everything you can find at Wal-mart here in the States. I have visited the market in Antigua several times; it is an adventure of a life time and one I will never forget.

The market in my mind is divided into three sections. First there is the market that is out back where you hardly ever find a gringo. This market is filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, rice, beans, flour, fish, meat and etc. Also you can find every kind of clothing, hats, hardware, tools, toiletries and anything else you may need for the home.

The second part of the market I would say is for the tourist that is looking for something small to bring home. The t-shirts, soccer jersey, knickknacks, small little collectables, pirated cd’s and dvd’s, and some weavings and cultural items. The third part of the market “The Artesian Market”, which is nicer and quieter than the other two, is where you will find all of the handcrafted items. You will find some of the best hand crafted items in Central America. The popular items are the brightly colored fabrics, from huipils, jackets, dresses, bedspreads, and blankets. You will also find some real nice art work and wood hand carvings.

Market days are a blast. Try to shop during the week when the tourist trade is a little less. I think you will find the prices a little cheaper than on the weekend. Also do not take the first price they throw at you, do a little wheeling and dealing, and remember they think all North Americans are rich.

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Kid’s celebrate national childrens day in Guatemala

The church of La Merced and historic convent

The Mercedarian order was established in Guatemala in 1538, and the order had built a church in Antigua by 1546.

I would love to hear your comments.

Volcano by Lake Atitlan

I value your feedback on my post. Please leave a comment, I do appreciate your thoughts.

Central Park, Antigua Guatemala

Shoe shine children in Central Park, Antigua Guatemala

I really value your feedback on my post. Please leave a comment, I would appreciate it very much.

Guatemala Mountain Range

I really value your feedback on my post. Please leave a comment, I would appreciate it very much.

The Market in Antigua Guatemala

The Markets in Guatemala

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