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Guatemala

Guatemala

Capital:Guatemala City
Population:17.1M
Currency:Quetzal (GTQ)
Language:Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)
Carrying groceries home from the market.

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Guatemala.

Guatemala Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

Guatemalans are friendly and humble. Personal criticism is taken seriously and should be avoided. Punctuality is admired but people are considered more important than a regimented schedule.

Carrying groceries home from the market.

Home of the Sacred Quetzal

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6 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation · Student Life

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Holidays

  • Christmas

    12/25

    Christmas

Dates of Interest

  • December 12th

    Celebrated throughout the country, especially in Antigua and Guatemala City, with processions, traditional dances, and the portrayal of indigenous children dressed as Juan Diego, who is said to have seen the Virgin Mary.

How do people greet each other in Guatemala?

Greetings are personal and individual—greet each person one by one, even in groups, and use titles to show respect.

Do

  • Greet each individual one by one in smaller groups
  • Greet hosts individually regardless of group size
  • Use titles when speaking to others

Good to know

  • A younger woman may kiss a male friend, but older women only kiss close relatives

What are the dining customs in Guatemala?

Corn tortillas accompany every meal and are often used as a scoop; most other foods are eaten with utensils, though some are eaten with the hands.

Do

  • Keep your hands above the table
  • Use tortillas to scoop some foods
  • Thank everyone at the table when the meal is finished

Don’t

  • Don't place your hands in your lap

Good to know

  • Common dishes include black beans, rice, tamales, and fried platanos
  • Meats are often stewed and sauces are important
  • Fruits like papaya and breadfruit are widely eaten

What etiquette should I know when visiting Guatemala?

Guatemalans are friendly and humble, and visiting is central to maintaining relationships. Avoid personal criticism, which is taken seriously.

Do

  • Visit relatives and friends regularly
  • Bring something for the home, such as chocolates or flowers, if staying more than a day

Don’t

  • Don't visit infrequently—it can be seen as an insult
  • Avoid personal criticism

Good to know

  • Punctuality is admired, but people matter more than a strict schedule
  • Regular visitors do not usually bring gifts

How should I dress in Guatemala?

In cities people wear Western fashions, while the rural Maya retain traditional dress.

Good to know

  • Traditional dress often includes a faja (woven belt)
  • Men may wear knee-high pants and women wrap-around skirts
  • Clothing styles can vary from group to group

What gestures are used in Guatemala?

Guatemalans have distinctive gestures for summoning and pointing.

Good to know

  • To summon someone, wave the hand downward and then in
  • Point by pursing the lips toward the direction indicated

What is family life like in Guatemala?

The father heads the family while the wife holds great household influence, and family ties are close.

Good to know

  • Unmarried adults live with their parents unless work requires otherwise
  • Adult children care for their elderly parents
  • Girls are chaperoned by family or close relatives
  • People prefer the privacy of homes over apartment living

What do people do for fun in Guatemala?

Football (soccer) is the national pastime, and fiestas are a popular form of entertainment.

Good to know

  • Almost every town has a marimba orchestra
  • Most weddings feature marimba music

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Guatemala

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Currency
quetzal (GTQ), US dollar (USD), others allowed
Time Difference
UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53°F in January to 60°-85°F in April. Frost and snow are unknown, and flowers bloom year round. Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and the annual average is about 52 inches. Wet months can cause mildew damage to clothing, shoes, luggage, and upholstered furniture. During the dry season, days are clear and the sun is hot at midday with chilly to cold mornings and evenings. During these months it is dusty, foliage turns brown, grass and shrubs wither, and gardens must be watered.
Airports
452
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Chirmol

Dessert

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History

Historical Eras

  1. Maya Civilization

    2000 BCE – 1524

    Maya city-states such as Tikal, Quiriguá, and Kaminaljuyú flourished across the Guatemalan highlands and lowlands, producing sophisticated architecture, astronomy, writing, and calendar systems. Civilization peaked during the Classic Period (250–900 CE) before a prolonged decline marked by warfare, drought, and political fragmentation. By the time Spanish forces arrived, many great centers had been long abandoned, though Maya populations remained numerous.

  2. Spanish Colonial Era

    1524 – 1821

    Pedro de Alvarado's conquest beginning in 1523–24 brought Guatemala under Spanish dominion, and the Captaincy General of Guatemala became the administrative hub for much of Central America. Successive capitals at Ciudad Vieja, Antigua, and finally Guatemala City (founded 1776) reflected the region's vulnerability to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The colonial economy rested on forced indigenous labor, cacao, and indigo exports, while the Catholic Church played a dominant role in cultural and civic life.

  3. Independence & Federation

    1821 – 1839

    Guatemala declared independence from Spain on September 15, 1821, briefly joined the Mexican Empire under Agustín de Iturbide, then became a founding member of the United Provinces of Central America in 1823. The federation was plagued by ideological conflict between Liberal and Conservative factions and by regional separatism. Guatemala withdrew from the union in 1839 as the federation dissolved, emerging as a fully independent republic.

  4. Liberal Dictatorships

    1839 – 1944

    A succession of strongmen dominated Guatemalan politics, most notably Liberal reformer Justo Rufino Barrios (1873–1885), who secularized the state, expanded coffee exports, and modernized infrastructure. The early 20th century saw the United Fruit Company establish powerful banana plantations after 1906, entrenching foreign economic influence. Jorge Ubico's harsh authoritarian rule (1931–1944) ended when a coalition of military officers, students, and professionals forced his resignation in July 1944.

  5. Revolution & Civil War

    1944 – 1996

    The 'October Revolution' of 1944 ushered in democratic reformers Juan José Arévalo and Jacobo Árbenz, whose land reform program prompted a U.S.-backed coup in 1954 that installed Colonel Carlos Castillo Armas. The coup reignited deep political polarization, and by the 1960s four left-wing guerrilla organizations were conducting armed insurgency against successive military governments. The resulting 36-year civil war killed more than 100,000 people, displaced roughly one million, and was formally ended by the UN-brokered peace accords signed in December 1996.

  6. Post-Peace Modern Era

    1996 – present

    The 1996 peace accords opened a new chapter of civilian democratic governance, though Guatemala continued to face severe challenges including gang violence, pervasive corruption, indigenous inequality, and narco-trafficking. High-profile anti-corruption efforts, including the UN-backed CICIG commission (2007–2019), led to the prosecution of senior officials but also generated intense political resistance. Guatemala remains one of the hemisphere's most unequal societies, while recurring migration crises and democratic backsliding define its ongoing political landscape.

Overview

The Mayan civilization flourished throughout much of Guatemala and the surrounding region long before the Spanish arrived, but it was already in decline when the Mayans were defeated by Pedro de Alvarado in 1523-24. During Spanish colonial rule, most of Central America came under the control of the Captaincy General of Guatemala.

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 1523

    Pedro de Alvarado led a Spanish expedition from Mexico and invaded Guatemala.

    Pedro de Alvarado led a Spanish expedition from Mexico and invaded Guatemala. Alvarado established Spanish rule.

  2. 1570

    Spain established the Audiencia in Guatemala.

    Spain established the Audiencia in Guatemala. It was a high court of judges and administrators. It was headquartered in Antigua.

  3. 1776

    The Audencia was moved to Guatemala City.

    The Audencia was moved to Guatemala City. An earthquake had destroyed Antigua.

  4. 1821

    Guatemala becomes independent and joins the Mexican empire the following year.

    Guatemala becomes independent and joins the Mexican empire the following year.

  5. 1823

    Guatemala broke away from Mexico and formed the United Provinces of Central America.

    Guatemala broke away from Mexico and formed the United Provinces of Central America which also include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua.

  6. 1839

    Guatemala left the United Provinces of Central America.

    Guatemala left the United Provinces of Central America. Rafael Carrerea became the dictator.

  7. 1871 – 1944

    A number of liberal dictators ruled Guatemala.

    A number of liberal dictators ruled Guatemala. They promoted economic growth. They also encouraged foreigners to immigrate to the country.

View full timeline (22 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • When a child loses a tooth they put the tooth under their pillow and wait for El Raton to leave some money.

  • The national symbol of Guatemala is the quetzal - a bird that signifies freedom because it dies in captivity.

  • Guatemala’s name is a Spanish corruption of the Nahoa (Mexican) word coactlmoctl-lan, meaning “land of the snake-eating bird,” a phrase that refers to the country’s eagle.

  • In Guatemala, lemons are green and limes are yellow.

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Geography and Environment

Guatemala is the most northern and populous of the five Central American countries. Guatemalan coastlines cover about 200 miles on the Pacific Ocean and 70 miles on the Caribbean. The country is roughly divided into four geographic regions: the central-western highlands, the low northern plateau which is largely jungle, the southern volcanic belt, and tropical coastal lowlands. The temperate mountain regions are the most densely populated. Guatemala has 33 volcanoes, 4 within view of the city.
Terrain
mostly mountains with narrow coastal plains and rolling limestone plateau (Peten)
Climate
Guatemala City’s rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53°F in January to 60°F–85°F in April. Frost and snow are unknown, and flowers bloom year round. Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and the annual average is about 52 inches. Wet months can cause mildew damage to clothing, shoes, luggage, and upholstered furniture. During the dry season, days are clear and the sun is hot at midday with chilly to cold mornings and evenings. During these months it is dusty, foliage turns brown, grass and shrubs wither, and gardens must be watered.
Natural Hazards
numerous volcanoes in mountains, with occasional violent earthquakes; Caribbean coast extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms
Current Environmental Issues
deforestation in the Peten rainforest; soil erosion; water pollution
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Spanish 60%, Amerindian languages 40% (23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca)

  • Spanish

Population

Population
17,109,746
Population: Male/Female
male: 9,050,684 female: 9,204,532
Population Distribution
the vast majority of the populace resides in the southern half of the country, particularly in the mountainous regions; more than half of the population lives in rural areas
Urban Population
urban population: 53.1% of total population rate of urbanization: 2.59% annual rate of change
Population in Major Urban Areas
3.095 million GUATEMALA CITY (capital)
Nationality Noun
noun: Guatemalan(s) adjective: Guatemalan
Ethnic Groups
Mestizo (mixed Indigenous-Spanish - in local Spanish called Ladino) 56%, Maya 41.7%, Xinca (Indigenous, non-Maya) 1.8%, African descent 0.2%, Garifuna (mixed West and Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak) 0.1%, foreign 0.2%
Language Note
Spanish (official) 69.9%, Maya languages 29.7% (Q'eqchi' 8.3%, K'iche 7.8%, Mam 4.4%, Kaqchikel 3%, Q'anjob'al 1.2%, Poqomchi' 1%, other 4%), other 0.4% (includes Xinca and Garifuna); note - the 2003 Law of National Languages officially recognized 23 indigenous languages, including 21 Maya languages, Xinca, and Garifuna

Demographic Profile

Guatemala is a predominantly poor country that struggles in several areas of health and development, including infant, child, and maternal mortality, malnutrition, literacy, and contraceptive awareness and use. The country's large indigenous population is disproportionately affected. Guatemala is the most populous country in Central America and has the highest fertility rate in Latin America. It also has the highest population growth rate in Latin America, which is likely to continue because of its large reproductive-age population and high birth rate. Almost half of Guatemala's population is under age 19, making it the youngest population in Latin America. Guatemala's total fertility rate has slowly declined during the last few decades due in part to limited government-funded health programs. However, the birth rate is still more close to three children per woman and is markedly higher among its rural and indigenous populations.

Guatemalans have a history of emigrating legally and illegally to Mexico, the United States, and Canada because of a lack of economic opportunity, political instability, and natural disasters. Emigration, primarily to the United States, escalated during the 1960 to 1996 civil war and accelerated after a peace agreement was signed. Thousands of Guatemalans who fled to Mexico returned after the war, but labor migration to southern Mexico continues.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 15 and over can read and write

Because there are few schools in rural areas, many private schools have been opened, usually run by the Roman Catholic Church. In rural areas, some grade schools with between 100 and 200 students have only one teacher for the entire school.

Even when schools have sufficient desks and teachers, which is too often not the case, they usually lack books. Very often, as much as 80% of the class time is taken up in copying material from the blackboard at the front of the classroom because students don’t have books. This lack of books also prevents teachers from requiring homework, which means that students do not practice their study skills at home either. Teachers also are not well trained, especially in rural schools. Currently it is possible to become a teacher right after passing the exam at the conclusion of secondary school.

Guatemalan schools are not well equipped with computers or other electronic technology. Although some universities are making good progress in this area, schools for the younger children lack even the basics, especially in the mountainous, rural areas. Students who are able to afford such technology often take courses offered outside the country via the Internet.

Most schools require a uniform, which families must pay for in addition to the school enrollment fee and monthly tuition.

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Total population: 74.9 years Male: 72.8 years Female: 77.1 years
Major Infectious Diseases — degree of risk
degree of risk: high food or waterborne diseases: bacterial diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever vectorborne diseases: dengue fever and malaria
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 1.63 liters of pure alcohol beer: 0.9 liters of pure alcohol wine: 0.05 liters of pure alcohol spirits: 0.68 liters of pure alcohol other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol
Tobacco Use
total: 10.9% male: 20.1% female: 1.6%
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 22.4 deaths/1,000 live births male: 25.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 19.6 deaths/1,000 live births

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Total population: 74.9 years Male: 72.8 years Female: 77.1 years
Median Age
total: 24.8 years male: 24.2 years female: 25.4 years
Age Structure
0-14 years: 31.5% (male 2,925,079/female 2,819,927) 15-64 years: 63.2% (male 5,688,500/female 5,839,958) 65 years and over: 5.4% (male 437,105/female 544,647)
Infant Mortality Rate
total: 22.4 deaths/1,000 live births male: 25.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 19.6 deaths/1,000 live births
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Guatemala
Full Country Name
Republic of Guatemala
Local - Long
Republica de Guatemala
Local - Short
Guatemala

Government Structure

Government Type
constitutional democratic republic
Legal System
civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (since 15 January 2024); Vice President Karin HERRERA Aguilar (since 15 January 2024); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (since 15 January 2024); Vice President Karin HERRERA Aguilar (since 15 January 2024); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president elections: president elected by popular vote for a four-year term; election last held 25 June 2023, with a runoff held 20 August 2023 (next to be held in 2027) election results: Bernardo ARÉVALO de León elected president in second round; percent of vote in runoff - Bernardo ARÉVALO de León (Semilla Movement) 60.9%, Sandra TORRES (UNE) 39.1%
Legislative Branch
Unicameral Congress of the Republic or Congreso de la República (160 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 25 June 2023 (next to be held in 2027) Election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - Semilla 23, UNE 28, Vamos 18, CABAL 18, Valor-Unionista 12, Vision con Valores (VIVA) 9, Movimiento para la Liberación de los Pueblos (MLP) 7, other 45 Note: the Congress of the Republic consists of 128 seats elected from 22 departmental districts and 32 seats elected from a single national list, for a total of 160 seats. Members serve four-year terms concurrent with the presidential term.
Judicial Branch
Constitutional Court or Corte de Constitutcionalidad is Guatemala's highest court (five judges are elected for concurrent five-year terms by Congress, each serving one year as president of the Constitutional Court; one is elected by Congress, one elected by the Supreme Court of Justice, one appointed by the president, one elected by Superior Counsel of Universidad San Carlos de Guatemala, and one by Colegio de Abogados); Supreme Court of Justice or Corte Suprema de Justicia (13 members serve concurrent five-year terms and elect a president of the Court each year from among their number; the president of the Supreme Court of Justice also supervises trial judges around the country, who are named to five-year terms)
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal (active duty members of the armed forces may not vote and are restricted to their barracks on election day)
Constitution
31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; note - suspended 25 May 1993 by former President SERRANO; reinstated 5 June 1993 following ouster of president; amended November 1993
Independence
15 September 1821 (from Spain)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 15 September (1821)

Capital City

Capital Name
Guatemala City
Capital - geographic coordinate
14 37 N, 90 31 W
Capital Time Difference
UTC-6 (1 hour behind Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

the Spanish conquistadors used many native Americans as allies in their conquest of Guatemala; the site of their first capital (established in 1524), a former Maya settlement, was called "Quauhtemallan" by their Nahuatl-speaking Mexican allies, a name that means "land of trees" or "forested land", but which the Spanish pronounced "Guatemala"; the Spanish applied that name to a re-founded capital city three years later and eventually it became the name of the country

Military

Branches: National Army of Guatemala (Ejercito Nacional de Guatemala, ENG; includes Guatemalan Navy (Fuerza de Mar, including Marines), Guatemalan Air Force (Fuerza Aerea Guatemalteca, FAG))

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

Embassy of the United States in Guatemala

Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zona 10, Guatemala Ciudad, Guatemala

Telephone: (502) 2326-4000 during embassy business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. Friday).

Emergency after-hours telephone: (502) 2331-2354

Facsimile: (502) 2331-3804

Internet website: http://guatelama.usembassy.gov

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Economy

Guatemala is the largest and most populous country in Central America, with a population of roughly 18 million and the biggest economy in the region.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Quetzal (GTQ)
GDP — official exchange rate
$26,980,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
3.2%
Gini Index
48.3
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News & Weather

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Climate Overview

Guatemala City's rainy season is May through October, and its dry season November through April. Temperatures are generally moderate during both seasons, ranging from an average low of 53°F in January to 60°-85°F in April. Frost and snow are unknown, and flowers bloom year round.

Rainfall is heaviest from June through October, and the annual average is about 52 inches. Wet months can cause mildew damage to clothing, shoes, luggage, and upholstered furniture. During the dry season, days are clear and the sun is hot at midday with chilly to cold mornings and evenings. During these months it is dusty, foliage turns brown, grass and shrubs wither, and gardens must be watered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Guatemala?
The population of Guatemala is approximately 17.1M.
How do people greet each other in Guatemala?
Greetings are personal and individual—greet each person one by one, even in groups, and use titles to show respect. Do: Greet each individual one by one in smaller groups Greet hosts individually regardless of group size Use titles when speaking to others A younger woman may kiss a male friend, but older women only kiss close relatives
What are the dining customs in Guatemala?
Corn tortillas accompany every meal and are often used as a scoop; most other foods are eaten with utensils, though some are eaten with the hands. Do: Keep your hands above the table Use tortillas to scoop some foods Thank everyone at the table when the meal is finished Don't: Don't place your hands in your lap Common dishes include black beans, rice, tamales, and fried platanos Meats are often stewed and sauces are important Fruits like papaya and breadfruit are widely eaten
What etiquette should I know when visiting Guatemala?
Guatemalans are friendly and humble, and visiting is central to maintaining relationships. Avoid personal criticism, which is taken seriously. Do: Visit relatives and friends regularly Bring something for the home, such as chocolates or flowers, if staying more than a day Don't: Don't visit infrequently—it can be seen as an insult Avoid personal criticism Punctuality is admired, but people matter more than a strict schedule Regular visitors do not usually bring gifts
How should I dress in Guatemala?
In cities people wear Western fashions, while the rural Maya retain traditional dress. Traditional dress often includes a faja (woven belt) Men may wear knee-high pants and women wrap-around skirts Clothing styles can vary from group to group
What gestures are used in Guatemala?
Guatemalans have distinctive gestures for summoning and pointing. To summon someone, wave the hand downward and then in Point by pursing the lips toward the direction indicated
What is family life like in Guatemala?
The father heads the family while the wife holds great household influence, and family ties are close. Unmarried adults live with their parents unless work requires otherwise Adult children care for their elderly parents Girls are chaperoned by family or close relatives People prefer the privacy of homes over apartment living
What do people do for fun in Guatemala?
Football (soccer) is the national pastime, and fiestas are a popular form of entertainment. Almost every town has a marimba orchestra Most weddings feature marimba music
What is the capital of Guatemala?
Guatemala City is the capital and largest city of Guatemala, serving as the country's political, economic, and cultural hub. Located in the southern highlands, it is the most populous city in Central America. The city was established as the capital in 1776 after earthquakes devastated the former capital of Antigua Guatemala, and today it functions as the primary gateway for commerce and government in the country.
Where is Guatemala located?
Guatemala is located in Central America, occupying the northernmost portion of the Central American isthmus. It sits at a geographic crossroads between North and South America, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the southwest and the Caribbean Sea to the northeast. The country shares its northern and western territories with Mexico, making it a key land bridge between the two Americas and a central node in regional history and trade.
What countries border Guatemala?
Guatemala shares land borders with four countries: Mexico to the north and west, Belize to the northeast, and Honduras and El Salvador to the southeast. It also has two coastlines — a longer Pacific coast to the south and a short Caribbean coast along the Gulf of Honduras to the northeast. This position gives Guatemala access to both major ocean corridors of the Western Hemisphere.
What is the predominant religion in Guatemala?
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Guatemala, practiced by an estimated 65 percent of the population. Protestant denominations account for approximately 25 percent, a share that has grown significantly since the mid-20th century. The remaining population follows indigenous Mayan spiritual traditions, which in many communities are interwoven with Catholic practice, producing a distinctive syncretic religious culture rooted in pre-Columbian cosmology.
What is the currency of Guatemala?
The official currency of Guatemala is the Quetzal, with the ISO code GTQ. The currency takes its name from the resplendent quetzal, a brilliantly colored bird considered the national symbol of Guatemala; the bird is so revered that it is said to die in captivity, making it an enduring emblem of freedom. The quetzal has been the national currency since 1925, replacing the peso that circulated during the colonial and early independence era.
What languages are spoken in Guatemala?
Spanish is the official and most widely spoken language, used by approximately 60 percent of the population in daily life and government. The remaining 40 percent speak one or more of 23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, the most widely spoken of which include K'iche', Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi', and Mam. Garifuna and Xinca are also recognized languages, reflecting the country's deep ethnic diversity rooted in both indigenous Maya heritage and Afro-Caribbean history.
What is Guatemala known for?
Guatemala is known for the ancient Maya archaeological sites scattered across its territory — most notably Tikal, a towering jungle complex that was once one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Maya world. The country is also the world's leading source of cardamom and a major coffee exporter, with highland-grown beans prized internationally. The colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, the vibrant textiles of indigenous markets like Chichicastenango, and the Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions — among the most elaborate in Latin America — round out Guatemala's cultural identity.
What are some distinctive cultural traditions of Guatemala?
Guatemalan culture blends Spanish colonial heritage with living Maya traditions in ways that remain highly visible in daily life. Indigenous weaving, using hand-operated backstrap looms, produces brilliantly colored huipiles (blouses) whose patterns identify the wearer's home community. In a charming folk tradition, children who lose a tooth place it under their pillow for El Ratón — the tooth mouse — rather than the tooth fairy. Guatemala's independence from Spanish colonial rule, achieved in 1821, is another touchstone of national identity celebrated annually each September.

Last reviewed 2026

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