Stories about Guatemala from December, 2008
Burning the Year Away: New Year Traditions
In many South American countries, it has become a tradition to burn human shaped representations of the previous year, as a way to get rid of everything bad that the year brought, and leave way for the new. The following videos show some of these traditions and some of the controversy soome of them have sparked.
Guatemala: Violence Continues 12 Years After Peace Accords
Today marks the 12th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Accords that put an end to 36 years of Civil War in Guatemala. In spite of the agreement and an international commission to oversee the process, violence and lawlessness continue to be a part of daily life in the country.
Guatemala: Nativity Scenes Around the Holidays
Alfa of Guate 360 [es] writes about the evolution of the Nativity Scene in Guatemala, and how it has become much more colorful and full of scents due to the use of pine leaves as its base.
Guatemala: Mincemeat Pie
Christmas in Guatemala often means celebrating with food. Luis Figueroa of Carpe Diem [es] is especially fond of the dessert “Mincemeat pie.“
Guatemala: Farewell to Chepe Zarco
José Eduardo Zarco aka Chepe, director of the Guatemalan newspaper Prensa Libre recently passed away. Luis Figueroa of Carpe Diem [es] fondly remembers the man, who published Figueroa's first column in the newspaper.
Guatemala: Christmas Decorations in Antigua
As Christmas fast approaches in Guatemala, Rudy Girón posts a series of photographs of typical decorations in Antigua.
Guatemala: Favorite Books of 2008
Ronald Flores continues his tradition of naming his favorite Guatemalan books of the year and publishes a list of four books that he especially enjoyed in 2008 [es].
Guatemala: Manifestarte Festival
Ivan Vivaldi Guas Caceres writes about the 6th annual Manifestarte Festival, a cultural event held in Cerrito del Carmen [es] in Guatemala.
Guatemala: Stricter Gun Laws and Narcotrafficking Groups
Luis Figueroa of Carpe Diem [es] writes about recent shootouts between narcotrafficking group sin Huehuetenango, Guatemala. He also looks at some of the arguments for more stricter gun control laws, but says that they would not prevent such crimes.
Guatemala: Typical Dish of Pepián
Rudy Girón introduces the Guatemalan dish of Pepián, which is easily ordered at a local diner in the city of Antigua.
Guatemala: The Negative Side to Falling Gas Prices
The failing gasoline prices in Guatemala means that fuel is more affordable for more people, however, there are also some negative aspects to the lower prices, as Mr. Man of Arte [es] writes, such as that there will be more vehicles on the streets and highways.
Central America: Women, Technology and Education
Central American women are "taking back the tech" by blogging about software developement, new ICT technologies, and how to integrate ICTs with their daily life. They are also making a difference by blogging about important issues to women and by creating a network for others.
Guatemala: Typical Food at the Stand of Doña Mela
If one wanted to eat some typical food in Guatemala, where would you go? Guate 360 [es] would recommend the stand of Doña Mela, located in the Central Market, who has been serving delicious meals for the past 50 years.
