Arriving in La Antigua Guatemala is like stepping into a living painting – a work of grand art that boasts color, old-world colonial architecture and culture. The Spanish town is nestled in a valley surrounded by three of Guatemala’s looming giants – Volcan Fuego, Volcan Agua and Volcan Acatenango. Below the smoky plumes of small volcanic eruptions lie La Antigua’s cobble-stoned streets, which are lined with houses, hotels and restaurants whose terraces, ornate iron décor, and Spanish cupolas beckon wanderers to peek inside. Behind every wall is a new discovery, a new treat. Often, visitors will spy a unique version of the traditional courtyard lush with bright flowers and green tropical plants behind the arched wooden doors adorned in brass knockers and decoration. One will hear the trickle of water from stone-carved fountains, some serve as the courtyard centerpiece; others are embedded into the wall.
The remnants of ancient churches are scattered about the small town, evoking sentiments from a world that has already lived. Yet, as the Maya women shuffle by in their rainbow-colored dress, balancing trinkets and food upon their heads, one can easily feel as if the past is still alive and thriving in the simple, charming scenes unfolding each moment. Little Maya girls shadow their mothers, also dressed in the traditional hand-woven blouse and sarong.
Festivals are a thriving part of the Antigueño culture and most are celebrated in Parque Central, the heart of La Antigua. Benches, small walkways and green grass sprouting shade-giving trees are all clustered around LAG’s most-populated fountain. Bustling Parque Central represents the favored spot for people-watching. Young boys skip from one bench to the other offering their expertise in shoe shining to the businessmen. The Maya women and girls offer hand-made souvenirs – bracelets, necklaces, small scarves and more – to any passerby. Musicians from near and afar strum guitars, tap bongos and even play the violin, invariably attracting a small crowd to delight in the impromptu concert. A row of elegant, colonial arches line the park to the south, while coffee shops, cafés, boutique stores and banks flank the park to the west and north. To the east, the Cathedral de Santiago serves as the focal point of the square. At night, the angelically white cathedral appears to transform into a warmly lit wedding cake.
Those that choose to wander down the square’s main street heading north will spy another Antigueño icon: the postcard-perfect Arch of Santa Catalina. Mimes and marimba players often provide the entertainment for the charming stroll along Calle del Arco where, eventually, wanderers will reach the yellow-frosted Church of La Merced.
The wonders and riches of La Antigua Guatemala are bountiful and there is much more to discover beyond this small introduction… come and discover the Antigueño magic!
