Fun things to do in Antigua Guatemala

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The best time to visit Antigua is during Cuaresma (Lent) and Semana Santa (Holy Week). Roman Catholic and ancient Mayan traditions have mixed to create an incredible spectacle during these times. Thousands of people dress in purple robes and process through the streets over long elaborately designed rugs made out of colored sawdust or flowers, called alfombras. Leading the processions are scores of men swinging smoky silver bowls on chains that fill the streets with a shocking amount of scented smoke. Behind them follows a hundred heavily burdened devotees carrying a massive cross that is as long as a city bus and weights over 7,000lbs. They rock back and forth slowly moving forward like an immense and bizarre centipede to the beat of the band that plays funerary marches behind. A biblical scene of Christ’s Crucifixion is laid out above on the cross for all to see and is even lit at night to display Jesus with an array of dazzling special effects. The processions begin after the completion of mass and last about 12 hours. During our two weeks in Antigua we must have seen at least ten processions. Occasionally there are two going on at the same time making traffic a serious problem. On Good Friday, or Viernes Santos (en Español), the streets were completely mobbed with people. The atmosphere felt more like the party and celebration of Carnival instead the somber mood of those absorbed in quiet self-reflection over the death of their god. Vendors of balloons, cotton candy, ice-cream, and toys followed the processions through the streets. Restaurants were making a killing with their tables packed and people overflowing into the street. The beer and liquor flowed profusely.

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The little baby in the picture below was sleeping under his Mom's table at the market of Carmen . She took him to work with her and he had a sleep while she worked.

The little boy in the colourful dress was singing in a street band with his family.

It's important here as it is anywhere to ask permission to photograph children.

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When we tired of walking to and around the ruins we loved to take a break and sit on a bench in the Plaza Mayor just to people watch . There is always a hodgepog of passerbys crisscrossing the plaza. We saw hardworking women carrying their babies on there backs and good on their heads. There are venders with food stalls set up for the day, and old men having a coffee break and a chat.

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Part of the fun in visiting Antigua is the markets. There's areally good one called Carmen Market. There are so many wonderful things and for such a deal!! On Sunday . The market spreads out to the street and venders compete for your dollars.

We had a hard time with ATM's so we were pleased that some of the venders took VISA!! it's easier to barter with cash though.

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Not much lefft of what must have been a beautiful cathedral. Built in 1680 , this was once the main house of worship. Today after the eartquake of 1780 all that is left is a wonderful ruin . As with other churches in Latin America the cross and alter that remain face the east and the Holy land.

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AS we roamed in the evenings around Antigua to the markets or a restaurant we often stopped to here some local street musicians . They dress in colorful typical dress of the indigenous people. The group of young children in the pictures were there every evening working long hours with their Dad. For the few Q we gave them we were rewarded with the most beautiful smile!

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Lots of people criss cross through this plaza. We arrived here first in search of a bank , there are many surrounding the square. The colonial architecture is gorgeous all around the plaza . It's a good plce to stop and spend some time people watching.

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I'm sure everyone who has ever come to Antigua would have a picture of this beautiful historic arch. There is a spectacular view of the volcano on the other side. The trick is to come early to get a picture without the tourists.
This beautiful yellow arch is all that's remaining of what was the Convent of St Catherine.