Religious festivals Guatemala

On February 2in Chiantla, the faithful flock to give thanks to the Virgen de la Candelaría, renowned for her miraculous healing powers. This statuette of the Virgin, with its long embossed silver mantle, comes from the region's mines and is depicted on a superb double-columned altarpiece, two of which are twisted, just behind the altar of this old church founded in 1530 by the Dominicans.

Patronal festival in honor of Saint Paul, held every year between January 23 and 25, with the main day being the 25th, celebrating the apostle's conversion to Christianity. Folk dances are organized throughout the festivities.

Religious festival with colorful festivities. A large procession takes place in the heart of the village, attracting large crowds.

Patron saint's day in honor of the Black Christ, held annually from January 11 to 15, with the main day on the 15th. It is marked by folkloric events including the La Cahtona, el Cabellito and Los Moros dances, as well as processions.

Patron saint's day in honor of St. Joseph, March 16-22. On the 19th, the main day of the festivities, numerous religious and folkloric events are organized in Puerto San José.

Religious festival held every year in November between the 22nd and 26th, with the main day being the 25th, punctuated by "el Torito" and "los Venados" folk dances.

Patronal festival held every year in honor of the archangel St. Michael, patron saint of the town (songs and folklore performances by the Pascarines and the Mejicanos).

Patron saint's day in honor of Saint Helen of the Cross. Cultural events include the famous folk dances of Los Diablos, Convite, Emascarados and the famous Conquista.

Patron saint's day in honor of Saint Peter the Apostolic. Folkloric events include the Conquista and Mejicanos dances.

All Saints' Day is particularly important in Guatemala. All over the country, thousands of people go to the cemetery to decorate the graves of their loved ones with wreaths of flowers, before sharing a big meal with their families. Above all, the skies over the towns of Sumpango and Santiago, in the Sacatepéquez, are filled with giant colored kites. They are deployed to scare away evil spirits who would like to invade the cemeteries and thus disturb the rest of "good" souls.