On Sunday, July 25, we visited the historic city of Antigua to observe Dia de Santiago, Saint James Day. It is a celebration of the founding of Guatemala. Antigua is a former capital of Guatemala, and James is their patron saint. Lots of people were gathered in the town square. A marimba band was playing under the white canopy. Several dancing couples on stage were entertaining the crowd. In the background is a building called the Palace of the Captains General, which served as a military barracks in the 1700's.
The Cathedral of San Jose stands on one side of the square. It was originally built in 1545, destroyed by an earthquake in 1583, rebuilt in 1670 and destroyed by another earthquake in 1773. It has been partially restored.
The inside of the cathedral was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers.
I've included three very common sights in Antigua. The first one is vendors; they seem to be everywhere! And as "rich gringos" we are their favorite targets. I get very tired of having trinkets thrust in front of my face and tire of saying, "No gracias".
Military personnel are another common site. There are also many national police, traffic police, and tourist police providing security in Antigua.
Unfortunately, beggars are also a common sight in the city.
Tony and Maria were excited to be able to take a horse ride around the block. I thought it was funny that the guy tied them onto the saddle with ropes.
What fiesta would be complete without firecrackers?
This fellow was parading around with fireworks shooting from the framework he carried on his head.
The evening was capped off with an amazing fireworks display.
On Sunday, July 25, we visited the historic city of Antigua to observe Dia de Santiago, Saint James Day. It is a celebration of the founding of Guatemala. Antigua is a former capital of Guatemala, and James is their patron saint. Lots of people were gathered in the town square. A marimba band was playing under the white canopy. Several dancing couples on stage were entertaining the crowd. In the background is a building called the Palace of the Captains General, which served as a military barracks in the 1700's.
The Cathedral of San Jose stands on one side of the square. It was originally built in 1545, destroyed by an earthquake in 1583, rebuilt in 1670 and destroyed by another earthquake in 1773. It has been partially restored.
The inside of the cathedral was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers.
I've included three very common sights in Antigua. The first one is vendors; they seem to be everywhere! And as "rich gringos" we are their favorite targets. I get very tired of having trinkets thrust in front of my face and tire of saying, "No gracias".
Military personnel are another common site. There are also many national police, traffic police, and tourist police providing security in Antigua.
Unfortunately, beggars are also a common sight in the city.
Tony and Maria were excited to be able to take a horse ride around the block. I thought it was funny that the guy tied them onto the saddle with ropes.
What fiesta would be complete without firecrackers?
This fellow was parading around with fireworks shooting from the framework he carried on his head.
The evening was capped off with an amazing fireworks display.
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