Antigüeña Blogs

Holy Week in Antigua Guatemala is a sensory and spiritual experience, filled with the scent of incense, the rhythmic sound of the tzijolaj, and the vibrant artistry of intricate sawdust carpets. This cherished celebration, steeped in devotion, honors the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through majestic processions that weave through the city’s cobblestone streets.

Are you ready to fall in love with the Spanish language? Our latest blog post reveals ten beautiful Spanish words that capture the essence of emotions, nature, and human experiences in a way only Spanish can. Dive into the meanings, translations, and poetic explanations of these exquisite words, and enrich your language learning journey. Click here to explore these linguistic gems and add a touch of beauty to your Spanish vocabulary!

Discover the Enchanting Semana Santa (Holy Week) Schedule in Antigua Guatemala for 2024. Rooted in the profound traditions of the Catholic Church, the Easter Week festivities unfold in Antigua Guatemala on Viernes de Dolores (Friday of Sorrows). It's worth noting that the schedule may be subject to adjustments, so it's advisable to verify details with local churches.

When it comes to learning the Spanish language, one of the intriguing yet often perplexing aspects is mastering the rules for words ending in “-cion,” “-sion,” and “-xion.” Before delving into these suffixes, let's start by understanding what nouns and adjectives are. Nouns, which can be thought of as names for people, animals, or things, play a crucial role in any language.

If you've ever wandered through the charming bakeries of Guatemala, you've probably heard whispers of the beloved "cubiletes." These delightful treats hold a special place in the hearts of many, right alongside the classic "pan dulce." As the New Year approaches, we refuse to let the season go by without sharing our take on this cherished recipe.

Columbus Day, known as Día de la Raza (Day of the Race) in Guatemala and in many Latin American countries, holds a complex and multifaceted significance for the region. Depending on one's cultural perspective, this day goes by different names like "Día de la Hispanidad (Hispanic Day)," "Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Indigenous Resistance Day)," and more.

Are you on a journey to learn Spanish, one of the world's most beautiful languages? Well, if you are, then here's a little secret: reading a Spanish version of a book can be your best friend on this adventure. Whether you're a beginner or you've already conquered some Spanish grammar, delving into the world of Spanish literature is a fantastic way to improve your language skills.

In recognition of the unique characteristics of each country, including variations in units of measurement, decimal separators, and division methods, this article delves into a subject that often perplexes: the discrepancy in the meaning of a billion. It's important to note that a billion in an Anglo-Saxon nation like the United States does not hold the same numerical value as a billion in a Spanish-speaking country such as Guatemala. But why is this the case?

Manjar Blanco, also recognized as Manjar de Leche, stands as a preeminent delicacy in the Guatemalan culinary tradition. Its essence emanates from the harmonious fusion of egg-enriched milk and meticulously blended cornstarch (maizena), culminating in a lusciously thick and gratifying texture. In this discourse, we present a comprehensive guide elucidating the meticulous process of crafting this nutritive elixir.

Welcome to a captivating exploration of irregular verbs in Spanish! Unlock the secrets behind these linguistic puzzles as we guide you through their fascinating transformations. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced learner, our article unveils the patterns and connections that make mastering irregular verbs a rewarding endeavor. Let's dive in and unravel the richness of the Spanish language together!

In Guatemala, a demonym is used to distinguish its inhabitants and identify their regions of origin. The term "Guatemaltecos" refers to people who were born in Guatemala, have lived there for some time, or have familial roots in the country. However, there is also a specific demonym to recognize the natives of each department, contributing to their sense of identity within Guatemala and their respective regions.

Verbs in the Spanish language can be a bit confusing and complicated for Spanish students. But if you memorize some basic rules about Verbs, you will see that it is not that difficult to communicate in Spanish and you will do it much more easily.

When learning a language, the first thing you have to know is how to greet someone. In Spanish, there are several ways to greet someone, even if you don't know the language yet. This is a quick and easy guide on how to do it.

Schedule for Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua Guatemala for 2023, following Catholic Church’s tradition, Easter Week begins in Antigua Guatemala on Friday of Sorrows (Viernes de Dolores). The schedule may not be fully accurate for this year agenda. Remember to double check at local churches.

There is a lot of confusion due to the difference between Lent (Cuaresma) and Holy Week (Semana Santa), some think that it is the same because they are both important religious celebrations in Antigua Guatemala.

There are many words that are widely used in the Spanish language that end in -ad, but they are frequently misspelled and also mispronounced.

The words Que and Como in Spanish have very similar applications, and you could almost say that they translate as "what" to English. This similarity refers only when a question is asked. But in Spanish, we use them as an abbreviation for a question.

Guatemalan Mayan-style hot chocolate has existed as a traditional energy drink since pre-Spanish colonization. It is still today one of the most traditional and liked drinks in Guatemala, not only by local Guatemalans, but also by foreigners. And the preparation for this recipe is very simple and quick to do.

San Juan del Obispo, a few minutes from the city of Antigua Guatemala, is a town also known as "the door to heaven", it is characterized for being a town with a lot of history and for being the center of many loquat fruit plantations on the slopes of the Agua Volcano.

Antigua Guatemala is once again the host of the Festival of Flowers. It's been six years since this festival for all lovers of nature, local culture and the natural color of Guatemalan flowers. A festival that every year shows growth and interest, not only by local citizens, but also by tourists, merchants and artists alike.

Chile guaque is a type of hot pepper originating from Guatemala, and it's primarily cultivated in localities of the central highlands and some areas of Sololá Department in Guatemala. These chili peppers are eaten before they're completely ripened, when their color is dark green to black, or in their dried versions, which is the most popular and most known presentation.

The chiltepe is a pepper of the species "Capsicum annum" used throughout Latin America and can be found in practically the entire continent. It is generally harvested in the wild when it is still incompletely ripe, and then dried.

This species of chili is found in most of the country, but it is especially cultivated in large quantities in the department of Petén, characterized by its special flavor and aroma, as well as its bell-shaped shape. It is very easy to prepare a sauce with habanero peppers, but you must not forget that it is very, very hot.

This is the very famous seasoning that is used in a large number of dishes in Guatemalan gastronomy and that is produced in most regions of Guatemala. It is a round chili pepper with an intense red color and a relatively intense spiciness.

If you have visited Guatemala and you like the spicy flavor of our Guatemalan cuisine, then you will like to know more about the main types of chili that originate and are cultivated in the territory of Guatemala.

The use of the letter or word A or AH is very common in the Spanish language. It's not very complicated really, but we thought it's worth sharing the small differences of its different uses.

Using and understanding the conjunctions and - e - o - u in the Spanish language is basic for any student of the Spanish language. And it's actually not very complicated. It's just to remember it and keep it in mind and soon you will see that you will be able to notice the differences when you write or speak in Spanish.

The recipe for plantains with cream, known in Spanish as "Platanitos Fritos con Crema" is perhaps the simplest of all, but also without a doubt the most used in Guatemala, in fact it is enjoyed daily. Delicious and nutritious.

Do you put a period in numbers with more than three digits? Doubt often arises, not only for Spanish language students, but also for Latin speakers themselves. The symbol used for the thousands separator depends on the symbol used to separate the integer part from the decimal part, so that the symbols are not confused.

Pickled jalapeño peppers are a delicious accompaniment to Guatemalan meals, not to mention a staple for every Guatemalan family table. In our recipe the main ingredients are chilies, carrots, onions and spices.

Potato Tacos are delicious Guatemalan appetizers that are well known and are not lacking in any Guatemalan restaurant menu, made from corn tortillas and served with red tomato sauce and parsley, but they are also served with onion rings and cheese, you can also add guacamole.

The rules about which words can and cannot be capitalized in titles and other text vary depending on the language. Normal writing usually uses lowercase letters, although, for various reasons, you can write words, phrases and even entire texts entirely with capital letters; but the usual thing is that capital letters are used only in the initial position of the word, and their appearance is conditioned by different factors.

If you are a student of the Spanish language, you will have heard about words with accents that are very important, and the words "agudas, grave, esdrújulas and sobresdrújulas (as known in Spanish language)" are differentiated by their stressed syllables.

If you know Guatemalan food, you will know that stews are very popular in the long culinary history of this country. Lentil stew is a perfect traditional Guatemalan lunch, very nutritious to which you can add other ingredients to give it your personal touch. This is a delicious recipe that is easy and quick to prepare.

In the Spanish language there are different types of verbs that can be classified in different ways. There are regular and irregular verbs, copulative, impersonal and personal, transitive and intransitive, reflexive and others. Even a type of verb can correspond to more than one category.

The letter Ñ is technically the contribution of Spain to the Latin alphabet. The sound of this letter did not exist in Latin, but the evolution of the language and the emergence of Latin consonant groups such as GN, NN and NI gave rise to the letter Ñ.

This is a small gallery of images that shows the activity of carrying out the carpet traditions for Holy Week 2022. We are proud at the Spanish Academy Antiguena to have participated with teachers and students in this tradition as we do every year.

The Guatemalan Style Cabbage Salad is really a very simple recipe, very easy and quick to prepare. This salad is particularly refreshing and delicious and of course it is one of the most popular complements in the traditional Guatemalan lunch.

The history of processions in Guatemala has become a very important part of the country's cultural and religious traditions, taking place specially during Easter Week season. Its origin dates back to the arrival of the Spanish in Guatemala, promoting evangelization as part of their conquest plan.

Words that contain the letters M or N in the Spanish language can easily mislead because they have a very similar sound, especially when they are accompanied by other letters. For Spanish language learners, learning this simple rule is important for writing and speaking Spanish.

Rice is one of the most important ingredients in Guatemalan cuisine lunches. And this is the key ingredient for this recipe Valenciana Rice Recipe, a recipe of Spanish origin, but which has been transformed over the years to have a Guatemalan twist.

The punctuation marks "period, comma and semicolon" respond to the need to order ideas according to their value when we express something in writing, this means that they allow the text to be hierarchized and decisively influence the narrative rhythm, in addition to contributing clarity to it, eliminating ambiguities or misunderstandings when they appear misplaced.

Cornbread is a delicious and simple typical Guatemalan dessert that will fascinate any demanding palate. It is very simple and quick to prepare, like many Guatemalan desserts, and naturally the main ingredient of this bread is corn flour.

Egg-wrapped cauliflower is a traditional Guatemalan dish that is usually prepared around the time of Lent and Easter. However, you can cook it at the time you like the most at any time of the year.

In order to improve our syntax and grammar we must know basic concepts and know how to differentiate them. Some Spanish students find it a bit confusing to analyze complex sentences because they have doubts about the base and the basic concepts, so one of the first things you must learn is to differentiate which are phrases and which are sentences.

Here we share a brief guide on how to conjugate verbs in the Spanish language. We know that it can be confusing sometimes, but once you understand it, you will realize that it is not that complicated. Verbs with words that indicate action, existence, condition or state of a subject.

Chicken in cream with loroco is a traditional dish originating in eastern Guatemala for many years. But we have to say that today it is enjoyed throughout the country by locals and foreigners as well. This recipe is without a doubt another of Guatemala's favorites.

The traditional Guatemalan Rice Quesadilla is a typical Guatemalan dessert, originally from eastern Guatemala, specifically from the department of Zacapa, but now it is available throughout the country.

With any of these three options, you will be able to find an opportunity to release the body of tensions that we accumulate during the day, in addition to combining it with a cultural and even fun experience during your trip to this fantastic colonial city.

Schedule for Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Antigua Guatemala for 2022, following Catholic Church’s tradition, Easter Week begins in Antigua Guatemala on Friday of Sorrows (Viernes de Dolores) representing the crucifixion sentence of Jesus Christ. The following dates are based on the Gregorian calendar for 2022 Easter Week in Antigua Guatemala.

For many of the visitors to Antigua Guatemala, yoga is a practice that harmoniously connects the mind and body. Many times, for a traveler, relaxing and disconnecting from their day to day is also one of their main goals when traveling, although it is not always entirely easy. That is why we dedicate a brief note to our visitors so that they can find a couple of options to continue practicing yoga while staying in this beautiful city.

We define “Trabajo (work)” as the set of activities that are carried out with the objective of reaching a goal, solving a problem or producing goods and services to meet the needs of people and society.

The word "Amigo" (friend) is a word that we all know very well and is undoubtedly widely used in any language, but it is especially used frequently in Latin America, and in particular in Antigua Guatemala. If you have visited the city, you will have noticed that it is a term used in many ways. We explain a little about its different uses.

The word "Articulo (Article)" has multiple meanings and uses in the Spanish language. If you are a student of the Spanish language, you will have noticed that these words are very frequently used. Although some of its meanings are merely technical, but you will certainly use several of them.

We give continuity to the theme of Adverbs in the Spanish language. This is the second article to finish explaining how to use it and including some examples.

The adverb in Spanish language is the invariable part of the sentence that can modify or complement the meaning of the verb, the adjective, another adverb or even a whole sentence.

In the sacred book or the bible of the K'iche Mayans, the name of Ixquic is well known, this goddess is also known as Xkik 'or Mayan mother goddess of the Underworld Xibalba, she is the one who gave birth as a virgin to two twin gods called Hunahpú and Ixbalanqué. The beliefs of the Mayans about death consisted that, when they died, they only left the earthly level to go to another, and one of these levels is the Mayan underworld called "Xibalbá"

In the second part of the Popol Vuh, he takes us to an era before the creation of man in ancient times where only the gods existed, and he tells us the story of two twin Mayan gods called Hunahpu and Ixbalanque, known as heroes for defeating evil.

Hunab Ku is a Mayan divinity, recognized within this culture as "The Only God". His name, in Mayan, is Hunab Ku, which translates "solitary god"; his roots are "hunab", which means solo, and Ku, which means plumage. Hunab Ku in the Mayan religion was very important because they considered it the heart that coordinated the entire universe, it was the source of energy that connected all living beings and who transmitted the information of everything.

Ixchel represents women and femininity in the Mayan culture. Also known as the Goddess of the Moon, Ixchel according to Mayan mythology is the goddess of love, pregnancy, water, textile work and even medicine. She is one of the most important goddesses of the Mayans because of her different powers. This goddess is the wife of the solar god and is identified with the goddess I. She has been portrayed with a rabbit next to her.

Despite being one of the most important Mayan gods in its history, there is not much to say about him. Also known as Zamná, Itzamna is the God of the Sky, Ruler of Day and Night. According to legend, this God taught the Mayan civilization the use of language, take care of the Corn and using calendars, among many other things.

Yum Kaax, is a name in the Mayan language to represent the god or deity of wild vegetation and as well as the guardian of its animals. He is known by other names such as Ah Mun, Yum K’aaz or Yum Uil according to other Mayan languages. This Mayan God is continually confused with the Corn God (God Eh).

The Mayan culture stood out for its art, mathematics, astronomy and especially for its polytheistic religion, which means that they believed in many gods. In Guatemala the ruins, handicrafts and customs are witness to the mark left by the Mayans in today's culture.

WorryDolls or Muñequitas Quita Pena have been very popular in Guatemala for a long time due to the ancient beliefs and mythology of the post-Mayan era. Currently you can find these dolls at any handicraft market in Guatemala. These little dolls are characterized by being very small, their design represents the indigenous women of the region and they are called "chamulitas" since they belong to the "Chamula" ethnic group of Guatemala.

Guatemalan Hojaldra is a delicious traditional Guatemalan toast, very similar to champurradas. They are very easy and quick to prepare, as well as being ideal to enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in the middle of the afternoon.

The Guatemalan style meatball broth is a food that stands out for its exquisite flavor. If you have visited Guatemala, perhaps you have had the opportunity to taste a delicious dish. We share simple steps to prepare this traditional dish thanks to this quick recipe.

The preposition is a kind of word that is used to precede its complement. Prepositions generally have the function of introducing non-argumentative complement. Basically it is an invariable word whose function is to introduce a noun.

While studying the Spanish language, it is important to keep grammar and vocabulary in mind, but to take a further leap in the process of learning Spanish, pronunciation is key. Students who decide to dedicate themselves in a conscientious and careful way to improve their pronunciation will notice their improvement in a short time.

In some places in Latin America, such as Mexico, the celebration of Three Kings Day (January 6, also known as “Los Magos de Oriente”) is a tradition, although it is not a very active tradition in Guatemala. However, this date is present on the table of Guatemalan homes

This is a third version of the very popular Guatemalan drink for the end of the year festivities. With a few small variations in the ingredients and an additional step in the instructions, you will discover another way to enjoy this delicious drink.

Just like the traditional Molletes for Easter Week Recipe, this Christmas recipe also has hundreds of years old tradition, an important part of the Christmas holidays culinary tradition in Guatemala. Part of it is a heritage of the Spanish culture, but the culture of Guatemala has made it its own, with some changes to the ingredients and preparation.

The recipe for Hot Punch of Fruits from Guatemala is a very traditional drink of the end of the year and the Christmas season. This delicious drink has formed from the traditions of Guatemala for a long time.

If you have visited Guatemala during the Christmas season, you have undoubtedly heard of the exquisite Christmas drink Rompope. This delicious and very popular drink is originally from Salcajá, Quetzaltenango Guatemala.

This is a traditional recipe from Guatemala. It is very simple but delicious. It is in fact one of the richest desserts in traditional cuisine, especially in Antigua Guatemala.

The famous "champurradas" are basically large cookies with sesame seeds on top. This simple yet delicious shortbread cookie has a round, flat, toasted shape. You can enjoy them for breakfast or as a dessert with a hot coffee.

This is the last post on the short series of words commonly used in the kitchen or the dining room in Guatemala and Latin America in Spanish Language. This will help you follow any recipe a little bit easier, like the ones we have shared in our blog.

We continue with the series of words commonly used in the kitchen in Guatemala and Latin America. Either to share with friends and family speaking in Spanish. Or following a recipe, here we share useful words and phrases for you to continue learning the Spanish language.

When we are at home, possibly one of the places where we spend the most time is in the kitchen. That is why it is a good idea to be able to communicate better in Spanish when we are spending time with friends and family and speaking in Spanish.

Guava Rings (known in Spanish as Colochos de Guayaba) are traditional Guatemalan sweets, and this one in particular is originally from Antigua Guatemala. These different and delicious sweets first emerged during Holy Week a long time ago, but over time this candy became popular throughout Guatemala.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua Guatemala for 2021, following Catholic Church’s long time tradition, Holy Week begins in Guatemala on Friday of Sorrows (known as Viernes de Dolores in Spanish) day that represents the crucifixion sentence of Jesus Christ. The following dates are based on the Gregorian calendar for 2021 Easter Week in Antigua Guatemala.

The recipe for "Dulce de Pepitoria de Guatemala" is another of the typical Guatemalan sweets, and is also well known in Antigua Guatemala. It is a very traditional part of Guatemalan gastronomy because it is extracted from the pumpkin that is grown in the same way as the Guatemalan Ayote.

After the "Canillita de Leche", Marzipan (Mazapán as known in Guatemala) is perhaps the second most popular typical sweet in Guatemala. It is preferred and enjoyed by locals and foreigners throughout the year and especially during the patron saint festivities in the interior of the country.

As in many recipes for typical Guatemalan sweets, "Higos en Miel" (Figs in Honey) is also easy to prepare, and these Guatemala Typical Candies are delicious. You can find them in any typical candy store, especially in Antigua Guatemala. But here we explain how you can do them yourself.

This is another of the typical Guatemalan sweets, also known as "dulce de conserva de coco" (in Spanish). One of the favorites not only for Guatemalans, but also for foreign tourists who visit Guatemala.

Magdalena is a very fluffy bun and is part of traditional Guatemalan desserts. It is very popular in Guatemalan cuisine for its sweetness and delicious touch of orange flavor, ideal for dessert after lunch or in the afternoon with coffee.

Canillitas de Leche is a typical candy originally from Antigua Guatemala. It is customary to eat at the patronal fairs and it is very well known and popular by locals and foreigners. If you have tried the typical sweets of Guatemala, without a doubt you have tried the milk canillita.

This is a basic short list of common comments or questions travelers usually need to know (in Spanish) when visiting another Spanish speaking country. This list is based on the experience we got and frequently asked comments by our traveler students in Antigua Guatemala.

Guatemalan potatoes “Tortitas” or “Tortitas de Papa” as known in Guatemala is a recipe very similar to other ones in Latin America. However, in Guatemala these are prepared differently and have a very special particular flavor. This recipe or dish is ideal to accompany the main dish at lunch as a garnish or serve as an appetizer before your meals.

When traveling to another country, all of us prepare a list of questions or phrases to be able to communicate in different circumstances. Here we share a brief list of the most common phrases or questions that travelers to Guatemala ask.

When you travel, it is always a good idea to have a list of questions or phrases to say in Spanish and to be able to move around in different circumstances.

Known in Guatemala as "Dobladas de Queso Fresco y Loroco". This is one of those recipes so easy to prepare, that it will take you very little time to make and share them with your family and friends. We share with you another very traditional Guatemalan recipe, ideal for any time of the day, from breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack at any time of the day.

The traditional "Tostadas Guatemaltecas" (Corn Tortillas Toasts) are very popular. These are basically a snack or appetizer before lunch. This traditional Guatemala snack is quite common during national holidays or just for sharing with the family and friends any time during the day.

This is the last of the posts in a short series of articles that include examples of how to start and end emails in Spanish. Below we share the last 23 phrases that we commonly use in emails in Spanish and translated into English.

This is the third post on this short series of articles sharing common phrases used in Spanish language when composing an email. We are listing 23 phrases or lines translated from English to Spanish for easier understanding.

Following the previous post on “common email phrases in Spanish Language” we shared last week, we are continuing with another 27 key phrases you can use when writing an email in Spanish language. Sometimes, a simple direct translation is not the best option.

Email is the most widely used method of communication. Responding or composing a new message in Spanish can be a bit tricky, as there are many common phrases whose translation is particularly different.

Stewed Beef is a typical Guatemalan food. It has many ingredients that make it juicy and with a very intense flavor, which makes it the first choice for Guatemalan families at lunchtime, always accompanied by rice and avocado. This dish is known in Guatemala as "Guisado de Res Guatemalteco".

Nicknames or "apodos" in Latin America and Guatemala are very common, they are regularly associated with a personal characteristic. But many these nicknames in Spanish language are specifically related to the personal name.

We continue with the second chapter on the expressions that we commonly use in work meetings in Spanish. These phrases are essential to be able to communicate with our colleagues in a working meeting in Spanish.

One of the reasons why some students learn the Spanish language is to expand their career opportunities. Therefore, it is important to know key phrases to use or understand in a meeting where the Spanish language is spoken.

Homonym words are those words that have the same pronunciation or sound, but have a different meaning or refer to different things. These are terms with different origins or etymologies, but for some reason they have acquired the same name or pronunciation. Here is an explanation, origin and the 43 most used examples.

The diacritical accent mark in the Spanish language is the graphic accent (written accent mark) that allows us to distinguish words with the same spelling, but which are words that have different meanings and belong to different grammatical categories.

There are many tips for learning a new language, especially the Spanish language. We share some of them based on our years of experience teaching the Spanish language.

Learning the Spanish language, as well as any other language is KEY to a globalized world. Learning Spanish will open doors to other cultures, business opportunities and be more competitive in business environments.

Chocolate Mole Plantain recipe is a very special and typical Guatemalan dish, ideal for dessert lovers and especially for those who love chocolate. It is a mixture of chocolate, cooking bananas, cinnamon, sesame seeds and bell pepper.

In ancient times in Antigua Guatemala, there was a tradition that few remember,on the last Saturday of Easter, children received an Easter Spanking. This Christian tradition is called "Pascuar". But it represents a blessing and protection rather than punishment.

This recipe is a classic on the Guatemalan table, especially for the summer season. It is a refreshing and very traditional Guatemalan salad. It is the ideal accompaniment for dishes such as beef stew and others also typical of Guatemala.

The "Pan de Yema" (Sweet Egg-yolk Bread) is a very popular pastry product in Guatemala and Antigua Guatemala during the Easter Week season, very similar to the traditional "Pan de Manteca" (Sweet Bread) in flavor and appearance, although its interior has a more yellowish.

A second post with three examples on words that have different meanings in Spanish language but written in the same way. This can be easily confusing and by remembering the difference, it'll be easier to understand other ones.

The Corozo Flower (Scheelea Preussi buret. Arecaceae) is found in humid forests of Guatemala, and other regions of Central America. This flower, together with sawdust, incense and pine, form the traditional aroma of Holy Week (Easter Week) in Antigua Guatemala. Its strong and delicious aroma announces the beginning of the Lenten season in Guatemala.

If the corn tortilla is a basic food in the Guatemalan table every day, black beans is perhaps the second most important food in Guatemalans’ diet. Black beans is a very simple food to prepare, but delicious and essential on the table of Guatemalan families, it is rich in flavor, but also rich in iron and proteins.

In the Spanish language, there are many words that have different meanings, but they are written in the same way. This can be easily confusing. The trick to understanding is just to remember the difference.

We could say that it is almost impossible not to find this dish on the menu of a traditional cuisine of any Guatemalan family. It is very simple to prepare with a few steps to follow, it would be ideal to accompany this dish with rice and a tomato sauce.

For this third and last article, we’ll talk about “Career, Apartment, Compromise and Familiar”. We explain the last four examples of words we use everyday in English and Spanish that sound the same or almost the same but the meaning is somewhat different.

Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua Guatemala 2020, following Catholic Church’s long time tradition, Holy Week begins on Friday of Sorrows (Viernes de Dolores) day that represents the crucifixion sentence of Jesus. The following dates based on the Gregorian calendar for 2020 Easter Week in Antigua Guatemala.

For the second article will talk “Approve, Eventually and Lecture”. We continue to explain some of the most common examples of English and Spanish words that sound the same or almost the same, so it is easy to confuse definitions for each.

For this first article will cover the words “Actually, Embarrassed and Realize”. As you know, there are many words that are the same or almost the same in English and Spanish, as soon as you hear it, you already know its meaning and even its pronunciation. But there are some exceptions that make Spanish language students confuse.

"Atol de Elote" is a traditional ancestral drink of Guatemala, made from sweet yellow corn, has a very special and exquisite taste and texture. For the Mayan culture, corn was a sacred food and was consumed daily, either preparing tamales, tortillas or "atol".

At the Spanish school, we have completed a new year of work and 35 years of existence, we are very grateful for the experiences we have shared in the year just finished and excited about the new year that begins. That is why we want to share some notes on how we can all plan proposals for a new year.

In Guatemala, as in many countries around the world, we have small traditions to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new year. Some of these traditions originate in other countries and others are typical of Guatemala.

The word “bien” is Spanish language has many different meanings and it is a quite common word to hear in any conversation, especially in Latin America. Despite its versatility, it is not very difficult to understand and use.

Guatemalan Black tamales ("Tamales Negros") are traditional dish that should be present on your table during the Christmas season, these tamales are also known as "sugar tamales", its rich sweet-flavor makes it different from the popular red sauce tamale we all know, and just like the traditional tamales, you can enjoy them with French bread.

Guatemalan Christmas muffins are very popular during December. They are very similar to Lent Muffins (Holy Week), but with small differences that also make them special and favorite for many at lunchtime for dessert.

A devil made of paper, wood and cloth. A devil of an intense red color, in a thoughtful position, thinking the answer to the public complaint. This devil represents a satire of the country's politics.

The "Guatemalan Churrasco", or also known as "Churrasquito" has many traditional flavors of the typical Guatemalan food. It is a traditional dish for lunch, accompanied by rice, flipped beans, roasted corn, guacamole and the very important Guatemalan Chirmol.

Some of us who speak the Spanish language natively can also make mistakes when we express ourselves in our own language, either by a mixture of languages such as English and Spanish, or simply by not knowing how to communicate correctly.

Las Hilachas is another traditional, typical and original recipe from Guatemala, and is originally from Baja Verapaz, specifically from the Salamá region. It is part of the collection of typical Guatemalan recipes with intense flavor and very rich in nutrients.

In Guatemala is known as “Frijoles Colorados (rojos) con Carne o Chicharrón”. This is one of the best dishes of Guatemalan food. This is the traditional lunch of many Guatemalan families and is the main course of lunch. It is very simple to prepare and its very characteristic aroma highlights it over many other typical Guatemalan recipes.

Guatemala is internationally recognized for the art of its traditional fabrics, made with great richness in color and detail, using quality materials. Despite the influences of globalization, the indigenous people of Guatemala continue to use ancient techniques to produce their textiles and traditional costumes.

The giant kites of Santiago and Sumpango are part of the tradition, culture and history of Guatemala. The "All Saints' Day" is celebrated every November in Guatemala, and in Sumpango and Santiago villages in Sacatepequez, people celebrate this important date by raising the "Giant Kites" to heaven.

The famous Guatemalan dish and recipe we all each on November 1st in Guatemala for ‘All Saints Day’ (El Día de Todos Los Santos), a day before the ‘Dia de Los Muertos’. We have shared the Red Fiambre recipe in previous post, and today we would like to tell you about the White Fiambre, which is quite similar, but not the same.

This is not the traditional recipe for the delicious pumpkin pie that we all know originally from the United States, but it is rather a Guatemalan “cake or bread” version that was adopted over time. This is a dessert that is also enjoyed from October to December, during Halloween and the end of the year celebrations.

In Spanish language, there are several ways to say thank you and respond to it as well. Some are less usual than others, but all can be used in most circumstances. Another sample of the richness of the Spanish language.

Lago de Atitlán (name in Spanish) is one of the most visited sites in Guatemala (after Antigua Guatemala Colonial City, which is the most visited city in Guatemala), and considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Chicken Broth with Rice is a very traditional recipe from Guatemala for many years, it is commonly served for lunch. It is well known for having a very intense flavor. Its preparation is simple and easy to follow.

Guatemalans are passionate and devoted to their culture and history, and the celebration of Independence Day is no exception. Every September 15, since 1821, Guatemalans proudly celebrate "Independence Day".

White Bean with Meat is a very well-known dish in Guatemala, it has been traditional dish for a long time. It is known that if you see a family celebration with Marimba music (the Guatemalan national musical instrument), it is certain that a bowl of White Beans is served on the table.

El Mirador is undoubtedly one of the largest and most important Mayan cities, not to mention that it is also one of the oldest archeological sites in the world. It is located in the middle of a thick and almost unexplored jungle, in the municipality of San Andrés, Peten. The buildings and structures of this ancient Mayan city are part of the "Late Preclassic" period of Mayan history. Name The Mirador (The Viewer) was given by the way it was first discovered in 1926.

This is a very traditional dessert from Guatemala, similar to the well known "Atol de Elote". If you visit any market in Guatemala or fairs of the towns and villages in the interior of the country, you will not miss seeing a person selling this delicious and traditional dessert.

Antigua Guatemala is known as one of the most fascinating cities in Latin America, not only for its historical heritage of the Spanish colony centuries ago, but also for its rich Mayan ancestral culture, as well as being an exhibition center for contemporary art.

This is a recipe that is prepared, eaten and enjoyed throughout Guatemala. The meat broth of Guatemala (also known as Caldo de Res) is a very nutritious and delicious dish, although preparing it takes a lot of work, the result is definitely worth the effort.

Enchiladas is a traditional dish of Guatemalan cuisine, is part of the family menu every weekend, you can also find it at any fair in Guatemala, in addition to most typical food restaurants. Enchiladas is basically a snack, it is not a strong or formal dish.

"Rellenitos" are a traditional Guatemalan dessert, well known to all, a delicious dessert part of all in the traditional table in Guatemala. This simple but exquisite dessert can be found at any traditional Guatemalan market, national fairs and typical food restaurants in Guatemala.

The Cathedral of Antigua Guatemala is also named The Parish of San José. The construction of this church began in 1542 and was one of the first buildings to be constructed after the destruction of the first Guatemala capital in the valley of Almolonga, the cathedral was inaugurated in 1545.

Chilaquilas are another of the typical dishes of Guatemala and Antigua Guatemala, in fact, it is one of the favorite recipes in Guatemala. They are corn tortillas folded, stuffed with cheese or sometimes chicken.

The “chiles rellenos” (stuffed chillies) is another popular Guatemalan dish, it is well known and liked by the Guatemalans as well as foreigners, and is part of all menu at any typical food restaurants in Guatemala and Antigua Guatemala, it has an exquisite flavor, it is juicy and its key ingredient is the chili pepper.

The Portal del Comercio, also known by the citizens of Antigua Guatemala as the "Portal of Las Panaderas", is located in the center of the colonial city, opposite the central park and opposite the Cathedral of Antigua Guatemala. This portal houses many important businesses, among these are restaurants, coffee shops, banks, book sales, and traditional Guatemalan souvenir shops.

The city of Antigua Guatemala is well known for its rich history and culture. A colonial city with many cultural attractions, but none as famous as the “Arco de Santa Catalina” (Santa Catalina Arch), located at 5 Avenida Norte.

In Spanish, the words that are written with the letter 'Y' and the 'LL' often confuse the student of the Spanish language since they are pronounced in the same way, the sound is the same.

When you travel to Antigua Guatemala or any other Spanish-speaking city, one of the first things you have to know is how to ask for prices and costs. Each country has its own idioms, but in general we share some basic terms.

Understanding how to use the letter Z is a bit easier than the letters C and S, since the use of this letter is much more limited, and therefore, the rules on how to use it are just a few. The benefits of using the letters s, c and z correctly, will help you to create texts in Spanish with a better quality, without the need of advanced vocabulary.

Just like it is with the letter C in Spanish language, the letter S is somewhat tricky to use when writing in Spanish, for the C, S and Z sometimes sound the same. A good spelling means a serious commitment to learning a new language. That is why we are sharing some basic rules and tips for you to write Spanish properly.

There is a well-known difficulty in writing the letters C, S and Z in Spanish, since they are pronounced the same. A good spelling conveys a serious image of the text content you are presenting or sharing. That is why you must remember certain rules to write Spanish correctly.

To write the Spanish language correctly, you have to know the rules of how and when to use the accents. The accents have always confused us all and it is one of the most complicated topics to learn to properly write the Spanish language.

In the Spanish language spoken in Guatemala (and in many Latin American countries), the augmentatives and diminutives are very important in everyday expression. It is very common to hear some of these in a conversation. These are suffixes that increase and decrease the meaning or size of a word or subject.

Delicious sweet-touch buns, typical of Lent in Antigua Guatemala. In many places, these Lenten Rolls are traditionally prepared on Good Friday. In Spanish these have different names, such as “Pan Dulce de Cuaresma (Easter Sweet Bread)”, “Bollo de Pascua (Easter Bun)”, “Easter Muffin” or the well known "Pan de La Cruz (Cross Cake)”. Although this semi-sweet bread is typical of Guatemala during Holy Week, it is also produced by many bakeries every weekend in Antigua Guatemala.

The Cucuruchos are Catholic people who wear a purple dress called "Túnica", who participate in processions that take place during Lent and Holy Week in Antigua Guatemala and Guatemala. A 'Cucurucho' can be a man or a woman, although the women 'cornet' are also called Devota Loader. The activity of the Cucuruchos stands out for carrying the processions, but also for listening to and accompanying the processional marches and performing contemplative prayers of gratitude, forgiveness and patience to God.

Jesus Nazareno de La Merced represents the image of the devotion of the Catholics of Antigua Guatemala. It is the most awaited procession during the Holy Week, each year makes the penitential tour every Holy Friday (Good Friday). Thousands of parishioners, from very early hours of the morning, come to observe the processional journey, this is adorned with the already well-known Holy Week carpets that are elaborated with a lot of dedication and hard work.

One of the many Catholic traditions related to the feast of Holy Week is the creation of "altars of veiling" or "Lenten altar". As an honor to the images of veneration that will make their processional journey through the streets of Antigua Guatemala, the Brotherhoods of the different Catholic and Parish Churches prepare Solemn Velaciones to the images of Jesus Nazareno; Jesus Buried; Virgen de Dolores and Virgen de Soledad, among others.

A recipe that is hundreds of years old, and part of the culinary tradition of Guatemala, a post-colonial heritage of Spanish cuisine. As time goes by, Guatemala has made its own, as part of its culinary tradition and with variations in its ingredients according to each family. This is a dessert that is now part of the menu of all typical food restaurant in Guatemala and is the favorite dessert during the Easter season.

Guatemala has many traditional dishes for the Easter Week season, ideal to enjoy with friends and family. “Curtido de Semana Santa” (Easter Week Curtido) is a very popular dish and well known dish of the Easter season in Guatemala and specially for the summer, for it is a very fresh dish. This delicious dish is very similar to Fiambre, but this does not include any meat.

During Holy Week, Guatemala has many traditional dishes for this season to enjoy with family and friends. El ‘Bacalao a La Vizcaína’ is perhaps the most traditional and popular dish of the Easter season in Guatemala. When the Lent season begins, you can easily find large quantities of dried cod (dehydrated) in salt at the supermarket.

Seventh and last post on villages around Antigua Guatemala ( Sacatepequez Guatemala ), We share for this last one a very brief introduction about the last two villages these are Santa Ana and Santa Lucia Milpas Altas. There are many other villages around Antigua Guatemala, but have shared the most relevant ones.

Sixth post on villages around Antigua Guatemala ( Sacatepequez Guatemala ), We share a brief introduction about each of these villages every week. For this sixth article we’ll include two small villages, these are Alotenango, and Santa Ines del Monte Pulciano.

Fifth post on villages around Antigua Guatemala ( Sacatepequez Guatemala ), we will talk about two villages per week. For this fifth article we’ll include two small but important villages, these are Pastores and San Miguel Dueñas, both are quite worth to learn from and visiting.

Fourth post on villages around Antigua Guatemala, In this series of articles, we will talk about two villages per week. For this fourth article we’ll include two towns, Santa Maria de Jesus and the well known Ciudad Vieja, which has a one or two interesting things to learn about.

Third post on villages around Antigua Guatemala, In these series of articles, we will talk about two each week. For this third article, we’ll include two towns, San Felipe de Jesus and the well know Jocotenango whose history influenced other villages around the colonial city.

Second post on villages around Antigua Guatemala, worth visiting with quite interesting attractions for visitors each one of them. In these series of articles, we will talk about two each week. For this second article, we’ll include two towns, San Juan del Obispo and San Antonio Aguas Calientes.

There are several villages around Antigua Guatemala, worth visiting with quite interesting attractions for visitors, each has a lot of colonial and religious history. In these series of articles, we will talk about two each week. For this first article, we’ll include two towns, San Pedro Las Huertas and San Bartolomé Becerra.

Semana Santa in Antigua Guatemala or Holy Week 2019, according to the Catholic Church tradition, Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) when Jesus enters Jerusalem and is received with palm leaves. The following dates based on the Gregorian calendar for 2019 Easter Week in Antigua Guatemala.

The new year 2019 has began, a new opportunity to start over the project you probably left off last year, or new goals to achieve, so we would like to share with you some popular ‘new year resolution quotes’ and translate, this is the second post on this subject so you to keep practicing and learning the Spanish language.

We are getting closer to the end of the year 2018, so we would like to share with you some classic popular ‘new year resolution quotes’ translated, this is another way for you to keep practicing and learning the Spanish language.

The Nativity Scene or “Nacimiento (as known in Guatemala)” is the representation of Baby Jesus’ birth displayed near the Christmas tree in homes of Catholic families in Guatemala. Thousands of Guatemalans carry out this tradition of assembling the scene in late November, a task that may take a few days, to be ready for December 8th.

We are proud to say that we have been teaching Spanish language in Antigua Guatemala for over 33 years, working hard and with dedication, striving every day to improve our work.

Like the traditional Guatemalan tamales, the Guatemalan Christmas Tamales are an essential dish on the table for Christmas Dinner in Guatemala, a culinary gift to share with family and loved ones.

The Christmas Posadas tradition (Las Posadas de Navidad) in Antigua Guatemala is another strong tradition in Guatemalan culture and it is part of the end of the year holiday celebrations. Las Posadas begin on December 16th ton end on December 24th (nine nights before Christmas).

We welcome the Christmas season. These are moments of peace, joy and sharing with your loved ones.

Burning of the Devil (La Quema del Diablo) The popular tradition in Guatemala held every year on December 7th, at 6:00 pm. Families make bonfires on the street, in front of their houses to burn the image of the Devil.

Guatemalan coffee is characterized by artisan history and tradition of centuries. Our volcanic soils as well as warm and humid micro-climates enrich the flavors of a coffee known all over the world. Guatemala’s coffee is known to be one of the best in the work.

Including ‘French bread’ (Pan Frances) and ‘sweet bread’ (Pan Dulce) on the table is one of the strongest culinary customs in Guatemala and Antigua Guatemala is no exception. The French Bread accompanies some of the typical dishes of Guatemala, especially the well known Tamal (Tamale).

Guatemala is characterized by keeping a wide array of colorful traditions, and the famous Hot Fruit Punch (Ponche de Frutas as known in Guatemala) is one of them. This is a traditional hot drink for Christmas time (Navidad or Noche Buena as known in Guatemala).

If you have visited Antigua Guatemala to learn Spanish language, you have probably noticed that Don and Doña are words that are used a lot as part of protocol when talking or referring to someone to show respect and courtesy, no matter the age or gender. It is part of the "popular language" of the Latin culture.

Guatemala has many many typical Spanish expressions, some of them are quite unique to Guatemalans and other are part of the language culture across Latin America, and ¿Que manda?... or Mande? Is one of those Spanish expressions you should learn about.

On November 1st, Guatemala celebrates All Saints’ Day, a very traditional and colorful festivity in Guatemala, on this day the Giant Kites event takes place in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepequez (click here to learn more about this date) and families and close friends get together to enjoy delicious national dishes, the Sweet Pumpkin (Dulce de Ayote) is one of them.

On November 1st of each year, on All Saints' Day in Guatemala, the well-known tradition of the Giant Kite Festival is celebrated. This colorful tradition admired by locals and tourists alike, takes place in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepequez, Guatemala.

The popular Guatemala dish we all enjoy every year on November 1st, which is ‘All Saints Day’ (El Día de Todos Los Santos), a day before the ‘Dia de Los Muertos’. Some say that this dish is an offering for a particular date of the year. But the history tell us the real origin of this popular Guatemalan dish and recipe.

Guatemala tradition on handicrafts dates back to pre-Hispanic times. Handicrafts covers all work or work done by hand, without the support of any kind of machinery. These handmade works produce costumes or clothing, some decorative, but most of them are utilitarian objects.

In Spanish Language, we use diminutives to shorten the definitions of time and space. Although these are words that technically do not exist in the dictionary, they are widely used on daily basis and applied for many circumstances.

The traditional Guatemalan clothing is well known to be perhaps the most colorful of all the typical costumes in Latin America, in particular, the Highlands of Guatemala are the most popular ones. These costumes vary a lot and it depends on the region, each design has been influenced by history.

Guatemala is a multi-ethnic and multilingual country, the country is divided into four ‘Culture Groups’ with 25 ‘ethnic groups’, the four culture groups are the Mayan, Ladina, Xinca (Xinka) and Garífuna.

On September 15th Guatemala celebrates the Independence Day as an independent country from Spain (Guatemala became an independent country in 1821).

There are tons of common expressions we all use in any language as we all know, but in Spanish language and in Guatemala, this is perhaps this is the most used expression any day, the famous ‘NO TENGA PENA’.

Corn in Guatemala has been a vital piece in the history of this country, from ancestral times with the Mayans, until today. It is part of the daily diet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The famous tortillas are the eternal accompaniment at the Guatemalan table.

Five different classic sayings in Spanish language. These all are quite interesting to learn about and don't have a literal easy translation to them. Understanding each one of them will help you learn how to communicate a little bit easier.

Guatemalan tamales have been a signature of typical cuisine, and have been here since we can all remember. Tamales from Guatemala are quite different when compared to others in Latin America, and there are a few variety to tamale-types in Guatemala depending on the region.

If you are planning on visiting Antigua Guatemala to learn Spanish, then you should know that there is a very much used expression you will hear guaranteed (at least once) if you stay for a little while, and this is ‘fijese que…’.

Most of the churches built between 1540 and 1790 are richly decorated inside with wooden altarpieces which can be a main altar located at the bottom of the presbytery, or collateral altarpieces attached to the walls of the main hall.

Antigua Guatemala city was founded as ‘Santiago de Guatemala’. ‘Dia de Santiago Apostol’ (Saint James’ Day) is celebrated in several cities in Latin America, as well as in Antigua Guatemala.

‘Cerámica Popular de Guatemala’, is the name given to the products made of mud-clay produced in Guatemala, some of these products are used for decoration and some other for cooking.

Over 450 years ago, after the Spanish conquest took place, arts produced during those days by the so called ‘Reino’ (‘spanish reign’) began to change.

This is a very important tradition in Guatemala, and it is celebrated in many many villages in Guatemala as well as in Guatemala city, taking place specially during the ‘fiestas patronales’ (patron celebration). This activity captures the attention of local and foreigners alike.

The Mayolica Ceramic is an important part Guatemalan culture today, an important heritage of the Spanish colony of centuries ago.

The ‘Mayolica Ceramic’ is a kind of glazed pottery that has been produced since the 16th century in Guatemala, specially in Antigua Guatemala (Santiago de Guatemala by those days), San Miguel Totonicapán and in Guatemala City (the capital).

This is the traditional Guatemala Meat Spicy Stew, which is seen by most Guatemalans as the national dish. It is basically meat and vegetables in a thick and rich sauce, with a combination of roasted spices like pepitoria and sesame seeds and many others very well blended together.

Global coffee is one of the worlds most important and traded commodity today, it is worth around $60 billion us dollars a year and Guatemalan coffee is one of the most recognized and preferred by the coffee lovers.

The real origin of Chocolate (cacao - the original Mayan name was ‘Kakau’) is actually from Central America and Guatemala is the epicenter of it, the native indigenous call cacao the ‘Gods Heritage’ and ‘The food of the Gods’.

Following the idea of practicing the Spanish Language by translating popular well known movie quotes, we are translating and explaining a little bit about two famous quotes from one classic Romantic-Comedy film, this is ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’.

There are a few good reasons why coming to Antigua Guatemala to study Spanish is better than other countries in Latin America and even Spain. So we would like to share 5 reasons for you to consider...

Canillitas de leche (milk canillitas), Zapotes, Colochos de Guayaba and Camotes… these are just a few of many many candies that you can find in Antigua Guatemala. Each one has a unique flavor and texture, yet some of them share a few key ingredients like condensed milk and cinnamon.

Not that many cities in Latin America has such beautiful and and iconic colonial buildings like Antigua Guatemala has, and this is one of the reasons why this colonial city is famous for.

While visiting Antigua Guatemala, a visit to Antigua’s Local Market is impossible to miss. If you are looking for that special souvenir, or simply some local produced fruits and veg, the central market has everything you can think of…

It is a good idea to keep practicing your spanish language skills by translating some iconic quotes or phrases in movies. For this week, we would like to suggest Star Wars as reference to understand some expressions and how those should be translated to Spanish.

Santa Clara Ruins (Convent and Church) is another iconic spot in Antigua Guatemala, a place you should not miss when visiting the city, its ruins are very pleasant for a stroll.

Guatemala’s Cuisine has many traditional dishes, all of them have similarities but each one is unique at the same time.

Several traditional foods in Guatemala’s Cuisine are based on Maya heritage, corn and beans are key ingredients play an important role.

The city of Antigua Guatemala leads the pack when it comes to Easter Week activities in Guatemala, with spectacular procesiones that are among the world’s most iconic.

Holly Week, according to the tradition of the Catholic Church, begins on Palm Sunday when Jesus enters Jerusalem and is received with palm leaves. The following are the dates based on the Gregorian calendar for 2018 Easter Week.

The indigenous (Mayan) people have lived in Central America for many centuries, and Guatemala is the epicenter. They are one of the many Pre-Columbian native people of Mesoamerica. The have occupy Guatemala mostly, Yucatan Peninsula and Belize (theas last two were part of Guatemalan territory in the past).

This historic building was originally called "Convento e Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza" (Convent and Church of Our Lady of Zaragoza). It was built in 1736, this temple and convent is known today as Las Capuchinas.

Throughout Guatemala, Easter Week or Semana Santa as it is called in Spanish, is celebrated as one of the most significant and festive season on every religious and social calendar.