In Guatemala, the tradition of la quema del diablo or burning of the devil symbolizes the ritual cleansing and banishment of bad spirits to usher in the Christmas season. It’s a process of purification leading up to a holy season filled with important religious dates and other Guatemala Christmas traditions.
What do they symbolically set on fire in Guatemala for Christmas?
Every December 7 at 6:00 p.m. sharp, Guatemalans “burn the devil,” building bonfires outside their homes to mark the occasion. The tradition has special significance in Guatemala City because of its association with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception which honors the city’s patron saint.
What are Guatemalan Christmas traditions?
Families spend the evening together, with plenty of music and gifts. The Christmas hug is given at midnight before the family blows whistles and sets off firecrackers. On Christmas morning, the air is filled with smoke from all of the celebrations. Fireworks begin again on Christmas at noon.
What do they light on fire in Guatemala?
In Guatemala we light up fireworks and firecrackers during most holidays and they are part of many traditions including Christmas. The tradition of burning the devil began in colonial times.
What is the purpose of La Quema del Diablo?
On December 7th, Guatemala celebrates a holiday called La Quema del Diablo, or “Burning the Devil,” a preparatory holiday in anticipation for the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
What is the quema del diablo in Guatemala?
Guatemala has just celebrated a beloved tradition: la quema del diablo, the burning of the devil. Across the country, people lit bonfires and burned images of Satan as a way to symbolically cleanse their houses. … The night begins with a bonfire the children make in front of their houses with trash.
When did La quema del diablo start?
It is a tradition that many Guatemalans take part as a way to cleanse their home from devils that lurk in their home, creeping behind the furniture or hiding under the bed. La quema del diablo can be traced to colonial time, a tradition that started since the 18th century.
What is Santa called in Guatemala?
In most of the Latin American countries you can get along with Santa Claus, but the pronunciation is Santa Clós or Santa Cló. There are other countries, such as Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, México, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic, where it is simplified even more using only the name Santa.
Does Guatemala believe in Santa Claus?
Santa Claus’s button nose and his sleigh full of toys is not a focal point for Guatemalan children. In Guatemala, children get to stay up all night on Christmas eve because at the stroke of midnight, they receive and unwrap the presents bestowed on them by parents, relatives and friends. …
What foods do Guatemalans eat on Christmas?
In Guatemala, Tamales Colorados and Tamales Negros (red chicken or pork tamales in banana leaves and black sweet Christmas rice tamales with mole sauce), Ponche (fresh pineapple and dried fruits holiday punch) (picture on the right) and Chocolate black (Guatemalan hot chocolate), are the traditional foods not only …
What does the burning of Devil mean?
Revelers burn effigies of the devil and household junk in the annual tradition. The “Burning of the Devil” is meant to symbolize a day of purification ahead of the Catholic festival of the Immaculate Conception.
What holidays do people celebrate in Guatemala?
5 Guatemalan Festivals You Just Can’t Miss
- Semana Santa / Holy Week. When: March or April. …
- Festival Folklórico de Cobán / Cobán Folkloric Festival. When: last week of July. …
- Día de la Independencia / Independence Day. When: September 15th …
- Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead. …
- Feria de Santo Tomás / Feast of St. …
What is a unique Semana Santa tradition in Guatemala?
Guatemalans hang curtains, cloth bows, and paper decorations of purple, red, lilac and yellow in doorways and windows to signify the suffering and royalty of Jesus. The procession on Palm Sunday includes andas (“floats”) displaying scenes of the figures of Christ and the Holy Virgin of Sorrow.
What is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Guatemala?
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
It is a significant part of the Christmas tradition in Guatemala, where The Virgin Mary’s conception (that’s right – not Jesus’) is celebrated with church services or mass, fireworks, parades and plenty of delicious local foods prepared with love by locals.