- Traditions and customs of Zacapa
- Mojigangas
- handicrafts
- Tales and legends
- Employers' parties
- Days of the dead
- References
Zacapa is one of the most visited departments in Guatemala, located in the east-central zone of Guatemala. Its visitors will feel comfortable between its customs and traditions, a pleasant climate and its exquisite cuisine.
It is popularly known for its production of dairy products, and has many tourist attractions, such as spas and parks. Zacapa has a high economic activity, being a leader in the export of various products in the country.
It is a region rich in history and this is demonstrated by its Museum of Paleontology, where there are exhibits dating from the Mayans and fossils of prehistoric animals.
The entire history of this region of Guatemala is accompanied by customs such as mojigangas, typical handicrafts produced by its inhabitants, the patron saint festivities, the day of the dead, and traditional tales and legends.
Traditions and customs of Zacapa
Mojigangas
The mojigangas are a traditional dance in Latin America, dating back more than 200 years and consisting of comparsas that walk through the streets. In them, men dress as women or wear typically black baggy pants with colored shirts.
In Zacapa it is tradition to recite some songs alluding to the dates of winter and summer correspondingly. This event comes to the region due to European influence, specifically from Spain.
handicrafts
In Zacapa, crafts are very common due to the agricultural sector. Some artisans work with leather, others prefer to use the manguey.
The Manguey is a plant that abounds in the area, its leaves are left to rot in water, and then you remove the fiber, when it dries it is ready to make ties and nets.
Women, for their part, use the embroidery technique to make tablecloths, napkins and blouses. This type of clothing is well appreciated in the region.
Tales and legends
In Zacapa, stories are part of everyday life and the best way to pass the time.
Stories of characters that have become typical of the Zacapena culture abound. In this regard, the historian Cesar Laras (2016) contributes some characters that are relevant to the region.
For example, Pedro Urdemales has his origin in Europe, but the Zacapenos speak so much about him that it seems their own.
It is also quite popular to tell the stories of Tío Chema, who was a military man born in 1872, with a peculiar character and much loved by all.
The stories of Tío Coyote and Tío Conejo are traditional in the culture. Although they have been taken from other countries, their peculiarities have been added, being fictitious and fantastic stories common.
The most important legend of Zacapa is the Zisimite, a horse that defecated 25-cent coins. There is also talk of the weeping woman and the goblin.
Employers' parties
The patron saint festivities are cultural events of great importance in Guatemala. It corresponds to particular dates in each municipality according to its pattern.
During these days, parades are usually held and the streets are filled with colors. In Zacapa, the patronal feast is celebrated from December 4 to December 9 in honor of the Virgen de la Concepción.
On this day many activities are carried out, starting with serenades to the Virgin and Holy Mass, then a parade that includes fireworks takes place.
During the day there are several typical folklore presentations, dances, cockfights among others.
During the patronal feast, many typical dishes are usually served, where yucca and chicharrón occupy an important place
Days of the dead
In Zacapa, the day of the dead is celebrated on November 1 and 2. On this day, Zacapecan families commemorate their loved ones who have passed away, while the whole town comes together in a small fair located near the cemetery.
References
- Danilo Solis, RC (2010). Let's get to know Zacapa. Obtained from Conozcamoszacapa.blogspot.com
- Deguate.com. (October 2007). Retrieved from deguate.com
- Guatemala.com. (January 2017). Zacapa Patronal Festival. Obtained from aprende.guatemala.com
- Free Press. (April 2016). Characters that speech turned into legend. Obtained from prensalibre.com
- Turansa. (sf). Zacapa. Obtained from turansa.co.