Guatemala Blog
About this blog
Al Argueta loves Guatemala, and travels there often. This blog will update information found in his books, and also be a forum to answer reader questions about all things Guatemala.
Recent Posts
- Dresden Codex May Yield Location of Maya Treasure
- A Room with a View
- Weekend en Guatemala
- Reflections on the 1996 Peace Accords
- New Flights to Guatemala City
- Alta Verapaz Under State of Siege
- A Very Important Message Regarding ATMs
- Antigua Guatemala Tones Down New Year's Celebration
- Pollo Campero Takes on Disney World
- Widespread Disgust at Murder of Anthropologist
- More Good Press for Guatemala
- Eight Found Guilty in Slaying of Salvadoran Diplomats
- Lake Atitlán to Host Film Festival
- Galerias La Pradera Gets a Facelift
- Former INGUAT Director Accused of Stealing $3.5 Million
Antigua Guatemala Tones Down New Year's Celebration
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If you're looking to party it up in La Antigua Guatemala this New Year's Eve you may want to look elsewhere. In recent years, the city's New Year's celebration has become an all-out street party more becoming of Mardi Gras in Rio than that of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I've personally witnessed the aftermath of these celebrations. Thousands of revelers (many heavily intoxicated) choke Antigua's 5a Avenida, leaving behind litter, including glass beer bottles consumed on public streets. That will thankfully change this year, as the city will be hosting a much mellower, family-friendly holiday celebration.
Authorities recently announced a night of festivities to include popular dance, theater presentations, marimba music, a traditional bull dance and fireworks. The activities will take place from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Consumption of alcohol on city streets will be prohibited.
Antigueño reaction to the measures is generally favorable, as many point out the city is a cultural and historical attraction, not a roving bar.
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