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This article discusses various aspects of Guatemalan culture. It explains how Guatemala is the birthplace of the Mayan empire. The country is filled with beautiful beaches and culturally enriching experiences. It is also home to the Mayan ruins, which attract thousands of visitors every year. The countries coffee is also considered to be among the best in the world.

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Introduction to Guatemalan Culture

If you've ever visited (or considered visiting) Central America, the odds are high that Guatemala was on your short list of potential places to stay. Not only is it a gorgeous country with a thriving culture but it's the birthplace of the iconic Mayan empire. The Mayans were revered for their complex language (the only written language among pre-Columbian cultures), their advanced mathematics and architecture, and their astronomical calendar. Today, the Mayan ruins attract thousands of visitors every year. Tourists also flock to Guatemala for the pristine beaches, ample trails for horseback riding and quiet community setting. Guatemalan culture is truyly unique.

History of Guatemala

Guatemala gained its independence from Spain in 1821 and then faced a series of military and authoritarian rulers. In 1954, the country experienced a 36-year civil war. Severe violence in the 1970s and 80s ultimately ended with peace, when Maya woman Rigoberta Manchu won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992.

Guatemalan culture has been largely influenced over the last decade by the vast amount of people immigrating from Japan, China, Korea, and the Middle East, as well as by the increased movement of Guatemalans to and from the United States.

Religion, Language & Etiquette

Catholicism has been very popular in Guatemala ever since Spain conquered the country. However, Evangelical Christianity has been making a big impact over the last several decades. One-third of the population identifies as Protestant. However, ancient Mayan spirituality is still practiced in some regions, especially the mountainous regions. People living in the Western Highlands continue to use the Mayan calendar, which is more closely linked to agricultural cycles in the region. They also frequently perform costumbre (modern Mayan religious practices) in caves and ancient archeological sites. Judaism and Islam also exist in small pockets within Guatemala City.

Spanish is the official language in Guatemala, but 22 different dialects (many of Mayan descent) are recognized in the country. However, many Indians in the region have decided to turn their back on their native languages in order to promote Spanish for their children. It is considered vital for children to learn Spanish in order to have a successful future in Guatemala. English, German, and French are also frequently taught in schools.

Etiquette practices vary across Guatemala (depending on ethnicity). In the past, a sort of caste system was acknowledged in which Indians deferred respect to Ladinos. It was even considered acceptable for Ladino officials to be openly rude to Indians in the region. But this is changing. The newer generation is more openly accepting of the various cultures and religions within Guatemala.

Mayan children bow their head as if in prayer when they greet an adult. Adults greet one another vocally with a "How is your family?" or a "Hello." Physical greetings (such as handshakes, kisses, and hugs) are only common among Ladino women. Ladino men hug family members and women and offer them a kiss on the cheek. The men embrace one another as a greeting and a farewell.

Relationship to Surrounding Countries

Guatemala has a close relationship with Mexico. Both countries were originally home to the Mayan culture and ultimately conquered by Spain. During the Guatemalan Civil War, tensions were high between the two nations as people fled to Mexico for safety and asylum. Since the war ended in 1996, the two countries have experienced a symbiotic relationship, fighting together for things like human trafficking, drugs, and organized crime.

Food and Drink

If you love coffee, you'll be in good company in Guatemala. The country's coffee is considered to be among the best in the world. But obviously, Guatemalans can't sustain themselves entirely on caffeine. Other Guatemalan culture staples include corn and cornmeal, beans, fresh fruit and vegetables (especially mangos and papayas), rice, eggs, and cheese. Meat and fish are consumed in more affluent areas. Guatemalans eat three meals each day, with their largest meal at noon. Until recently, most businesses closed for two to three hours each day so workers could eat the mid-day meal with their families.

Festivals & Attractions

Since Guatemala is largely Catholic, a lot of the festivals in the country center around Christian events. Holy Week (Semana Santa) is celebrated the week leading up to Easter. During Semana Santa (in March or April), Guatemala City and Antigua feature large processions throughout the streets on rugs made of sawdust. These celebrations are colorful and lively. On August 15 th, Guatemalans celebrate the Assumption of Mary into Heaven (Dia de la Asuncion), and on November 1 st or 2 nd they celebrate All Saints Day (Dia de Todos Los Santos).

On December 7 th, Guatemalans celebrate the Burning of the Devil. This celebration is meant to cleanse their homes for the holy weeks ahead. During the Burning of the Devil, people remove everything that is burnable from their homes (trash, paper, wood, etc.) and set it on fire outside of their homes.

Money & Exchange Rates

Guatemala uses the Quetzal. 7 Quetzales is worth roughly $1 USD. The Quetzal is worth about twice the value of the Mexican Peso and the Honduran Lempira, and one quarter of the value of the Belize Dollar.

Generational Differences & Where the Country is Going

While older generations relied heavily on agriculture for their livelihood, the younger generation is much more interested in getting an education and working in medicine, journalism, law, and social work. Others are moving into factory and clerical work. The youngest generation is also more likely to volunteer for the armed forces, having never been forced into them in the country's Civil War.

There is also a big shift happening in Guatemalan architecture. While homes used to be located in the center of town, most people have moved to the peripheries of cities, opting to use the city centers as locations for business and commerce. Most of the old colonial homes have been converted into hotels and offices.

Build Abroad Volunteer Opportunities in Guatemala

Build Abroad is actively involved in building local schools and other community projects in Antigua, where these buildings are currently in short supply. Antigua is located just 45-minutes outside of Guatemala's capital city: Guatemala City and is close to tourist hot spots like Lake Atitlan and Monterrico Beach. It is also widely considered to be safer than Guatemala City and more popular for visitors. If you're interested in volunteering, this unique travel experience will allow you to stay in Antigua homestays and get to know local Guatemalans.

Those who are fortunate enough to spend some quality time in Guatemala will likely never see another country so beautiful and steeped in culture. If you're considering checking this experience off your bucket list, visit our Guatemala program page to learn more about our volunteer opportunities in Antigua.

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Why you'll fall in love Guatemalan culture: It's about more than coffee!

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If you've ever visited (or considered visiting) Central America, the odds are high that Guatemala was on your short list of potential places to stay. Not only is it a gorgeous country with a thriving culture but it's the birthplace of the iconic Mayan empire.

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Lago de Atitlan :
Lake Atitlan is situated in the Guatemalan highlands and it is a beautiful area with many opportunities for exploration of Mayan culture.
Tikal :
Tikal is home to ancient Mayan ruins and it is surrounded by a large wildlife reserve.

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Ricardo Arjona is a singer and songwriter from Guatemala city and he is regarded as one of the must successful Latin American musicians of all time.

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Ricardo Arjona - El Cielo a Mi Favor (Official Video)

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The popular Guatemalan saying Hay mas celebraciones que días del año claims that “There are more celebrations than days in the year.” National holidays include Labor Day (1 May), Army Day (30 June), Independence Day (15 September), Día de la Raza (Day of the Race, 12 October), Revolution Day (20 October), and All Saints' Day (1 November). People also celebrate unofficial holidays such as Secretary's Day, Bank Worker's Day, Father's Day, Mother's Day, and Children's Day. The two biggest celebrations are Christmas and Easter. Firecrackers accompany most celebrations, especially New Year's.

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Music is found all throughout society. The marimba, which is similar to the xylophone, dominates indigenous Guatemalan music and can be played by up to six people at a time. The marimba is often accompanied by flutes, guitars, and various percussion instruments. North American and Mexican music also are popular among young Guatemalans. Many ancient arts have survived in Guatemala, namely ceramics, and wood carving, especially of wooden masks. The ancient Maya are also known for their rock sculptures and carvings, which stand in front of temples. Guatemala's textiles are famous for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. The designs may reveal information about the wearer, such as marital status or place of birth. Black and green jade carvings and jewelry are popular and can be purchased at local markets.

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Among Ladinos, social status is important in choosing a spouse. Women usually marry in their early twenties (earlier in rural areas). Some stigma or pity may be associated with women who do not marry by their mid-twenties. Men generally marry later because they are expected to support the family and may prefer to establish themselves financially before marrying. Common-law marriages are accepted and are common among couples who cannot afford a wedding, come from different religions, or wish to live together without marrying. Once a couple has lived together for three years, the relationship is legally considered a common-law marriage. Partners in such a marriage are considered unidos (united)—but not casados (married)—and have most of the rights associated with marriage. Same-sex marriages are not recognized.

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Corn tortillas are eaten with every meal and beans are the most common source of protein in the Guatemalan diet
Chicken Pepian:
-contains fruit and vegetables (usually pear, squash, carrot, potato and corn) and a rich mix of spices
-traditionally served with rice and tortillas.

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In rural areas, men generally dress for work outside, wearing boots, jeans, wide-brimmed hats, and large belt buckles. Most rural Maya women have retained traditional dress. Basic features include a faja (woven belt worn by both sexes), a corte (wraparound skirt) for women, and knee- or calf-length trousers for men. Clothing tends to be colorful.

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Guatemalans beckon by waving the hand down and inward. A “ch-ch” sound gets someone's attention. However, a “tssst-tssst” sound is used by men to get a woman's attention, similar to a catcall. Pointing with the finger or hand can be misinterpreted because many hand gestures are vulgar. To point, people often purse their lips in the direction of whatever they are indicating. To add emphasis, express surprise, or indicate “hurry,” one shakes the hand quickly so that the index and middle fingers slap together and make a snapping sound. “No” can be indicated by wagging the index finger from side to side. To hail a taxi or passing car for a ride, one points to the ground with the index finger and moves the hand in a pendulum motion, swinging from the wrist.

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When meeting for the first time, people greet with a handshake and Mucho gusto (Pleased to meet you). Among acquaintances, the most common greetings are Buenos días (Good day), Buenas tardes (Good afternoon), and Buenas noches (Good evening). After an initial greeting, one might ask ¿Cómo está? (How are you?). Friends often greet with a casual Buenas, ¿Qué onda? (What are you doing?), or ¿Qué tal? (How's it going?). Shaking hands heartily is common in most areas. Among friends, men usually shake hands and sometimes embrace, and Ladino women kiss each other on the cheek. A younger woman will kiss a male friend, but older women kiss only male relatives. Some older women greet by grasping the person just below each elbow

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Spanish is Guatemala’s official language. But there are dozens of Mayan languages that are still spoken in the country. More than a million Guatemalans speak Quiche as their native tongue.

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Roman Catholicism traditionally has dominated Guatemala. In recent decades, many have converted to Protestant and other Christian churches. Some indigenous people still practice their own beliefs exclusively. These beliefs are based on a variety of deities and are often combined with mayan religious practices.