How do people celebrate Christmas in Guatemala?

Answer 1

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Christmas in Guatemala, as in every catholic country, is very special. We do celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (December 24th and 25th). Usually the night of the 24th we gather in families to have a nice dinner and at midnight everyone burns fireworks to conmemorate the birth of baby Jesus. For kids Santa comes and gives them presents (same as in the US) but kids open their presents at midnight.

On the 25th, we gather again with family to eat lunch (in some houses they eat turkey, in others pork) and everybody celebrates the birth of baby Jesus with fireworks at noon and at 6pm.

As in the US, that day a lot of movies are premiered so going to the cinemas is very popular.

For New Years it depends on the place of destination. The city is left almost empty because most people like to go away for the holiday. Antigua Guatemala celebrates new years with a big party in the central park and in the Santa Catarina Arch, where the countdown for the new years is done. They have there live music, people are celebrating on the streets, and all of the bars are open until after hours.

The beaches are also full of people and there are a lot of parties that go until dawn.

Lake Atitlan is another popular destination for new years.

In contrary to other latin American countries, we don't have a holiday on January 6th, still small family gatherings are done. This date is a big deal in neighboring Mexico.

If you want specific information about your destination please tell me where exactly are you spending Christmas and new years and I can find out what will be going on on your destination. Have a great trip!

Source(s):

I am a Guatemalan living in Guatemala

Answer 2

People go stay in Hotels for nine days, have parades and go to church and other fun festivities.