FIESTA>>>FIESTA!!!

Wednesday 17th September, 2008
The weekend of the 13th, 14th and 15th September was a real Fiesta as Guatemala celebrated its Independence Day (from Spain on 15th September,1839.) The previous week everyone was preparing for the celebrations, every house, car and shop was adorned in white and blue (colours of the flag) and flags of all sizes fluttered from cars, buses and houses. In don’t think I have ever seen such patriotism. The main events of the weekend were completely dominated by school children. The papers were full of information about the history of Guatemala and information about the National Symbols and reasons so teachers could teach them in School.
Friday…
In the evening many school children ran through the streets holding torches and blowing whistles and generally making themselves seen and heard. People stopped and encouraged them on. Later in the evening there was music and food in Parque Central and dancing by various Mayan tribes. People congregated along the tiny narrow footpaths. Talking, eating and generally enjoying the atmosphere. Anticipating the next two days when the celebrations would really begin
Saturday …..
This was the day for the very young children (Early Childhood and Juniors) who dressed up and paraded through the town, walking for at least two hours in the sun, adorned in various types of clothing, school uniform and the flag. Teachers encouraged them to smile and keep pace. I remembered Sue and her kids in the EC section. I think she would have loved it. They walked along to music and some played simple instruments. Parents and tourists flanked their sides and encouraged them on in their outfits representing the flora and fauna of Guatemala as well as local crafts, and methods of transport. Balloon sellers and ice cream vendors whistled to draw attention and provide additional colour to the day. The evening programme was almost the same as the night before but I missed it as I was too tired and my legs hurt after my adventure up Volcan Pacaya!!
Sunday…….
I started off to go for breakfast at a local café and got caught up in the hustle and bustle of more parades, this time it was the turn of the secondary school children, most in school uniform and sashes made of the flag. Each school was represented and had a band playing tunes and their own Mister 2008 and Miss 2008, all dressed in their best with scarves and crowns…tiaras!!! The noise was overwhelming as many different tunes from all around Antigua gelled into a huge sound not unpleasing to the ear. I was mesmerised. Again families clamoured to get the best view and passing the onlookers was a real challenge as no one was moving, caught up in the moment. Cars banned from the centre moved along slowly, blasting out Mexican Ranchera music, and old men in sombreros creased their faces as the sun reflected off various windows. All day the parades continued, and music cascaded through the streets. Onlookers hung out of balconies and shop fronts.
Monday…….
Big celebrations today as it was the turn of the older students (6th form +) who danced and played music through the streets. There is nothing like seeing a group of about 20 -30 young men dressed in red and white suits and white shoes dancing in formation through the streets and playing instruments. It was breathtaking as they jumped and spun while playing Mexican/ Guatemalan band music. Young women also danced ( a little more delicately) and majorettes spun their sticks and manoeuvred themselves carefully in stilettos over the cobbled stones. Amazing!!! Parque Central was crowded as the various groups of workers paraded by and everyone just clapped and whistled and showed their appreciation for the services they provided ; police, fire fighters, hospital workers , clerks, bus drivers…… Later people sat on the pavements and ate and drank from the many stalls that had sprouted as the evening wore on. Children played and ran around the park, ……and as evening dawned and the full moon rose everyone looked up and gasped at the amazing firework display lightening up the sky. A riot of colour accompanied by gasps of awe and wonderment. No matter how often I see fireworks I am always amazed by them…… Like life…..like love
Cars hooted and played their music as they slowly made their way out of town , the long tailbacks not a problem at all. Children collapsed in their parents arms or on their shoulders, mothers holding on to leftover food or drinks or in some cases discarded clothes.
Flags still fluttered in the night breeze as I walked home thinking how lucky I was to have been here today, and how I wished that I could have shared the moments as they happened. I could not wait to get home and look at my pictures which I can share with you…… sadly I cant open the movies so will try again sometime.

The rest of the week beckons with work and study but at the moment I am smiling and feel happy.
I hope you are too and enjoying some of the simple things in life.
I miss you all
I prepare to sleep as you all prepare to wake and begin another day.
Adios Amigos
Goodnight
Xxx