Friday
is market day in Solola. It is a colorful occasion when the city's residents
gather to sell their wares and socialize. Solola is the capital of the department
of Solola, which is an area that includes 19 municipalities situated around
Guatemala's Lake Atitlan. The majority of the city's inhabitants are Cakchiquel
Indians, who proudly retain their heritage. It is one of the few places in
Guatemala where both men and women may be seen wearing traditional Mayan dress.
Women carry their wares to market in traditional Mayan market baskets. Among
the items they sell are vegetables from their gardens, tortillas, textiles
and chickens.
Farming is a primary occupation in the area. Corn, black beans, broad beans,
squash, pumpkins and onions are cultivated. The majority of the farms are
typically less than 1.7 acres and are located on marginal land that uses the
area's sloping terrain in a system of terraces and irrigation.
Weaving is also a major source of income. The women weave to provide clothes
for their families and to sell at market. The women weave on backstrap looms
and make fabric for shirts, trousers, huipils (loose brocaded blouses worn
by Mayan women in Mexico and Central America), tzutes (multi-purpose textiles),
caps for babies and sashes. The fabric for skirts is made by men on treadle
looms. Red is a predominate color in the women's huipil. A design is often
woven into the fabric using double-faced brocading, which gives the appearance
of "embroidery." Hand embroidery may also be added. Women often
wear ribbons in their hair or may use a small tzute to shade their face from
the sun.
At
an altitude of 5,238 feet, nestled beside beautiful Lake Atitlan in a volcanic
archipelago, 800-year-old Panjachel is surrounded by three majestic volcanoes.
These geological monolithics – named Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro-
forge an awe-inspiring presence. Panajachel’s highly scenic setting,
perpetual spring-like climate and vibrant Caqchikel Mayan population has made
it a major Central American tourist attraction as "the jewel of the highlands.”
With a population of 14,000, Panajachel is the largest of about a dozen indigenous
villages scattered around Lake Atitlan. "Atitlan" is a Mayan word
that translates as "the place where the rainbow gets its colors."
During the period of the Spanish conquest of Guatemala, the shores of the
lake were the scene of a great battle in which the Spanish and their Cakchiquel
allies defeated the Tzutuhils. The Spanish established a church and monastery
in Panajachel and used the town as a center for converting the Indians of
the region to the Catholic faith. The original facade of the church stills
stands, and is a classic example of the colonial style in Guatemala.
The Mayan culture, which still thrives In this highlands city, makes it one
of the most exotic destinations in the world. The Mayans are known for being
friendly, funny, welcoming of strangers, and shy.
Panajachel provides many interesting sights, sounds, and smells. There are
numerous hotels, restaurants, and nightspots. During the day visitors can
explore the surrounding villages, enjoy the breathtaking, ever-changing views
of the volcanoes that surround Lake Atitlan, or visit its busy market street.
Antigua
Guatemala may be
the most outstanding and best preserved colonial city in Spanish America.
It draws tourists from around the world. Its Spanish Colonial charm permeates
its houses, churches, squares, parks and ruins, and influences its traditions
and folklore as well.
Antigua
is situated in a highland valley, backdropped by the spectacular Agua Volcano.
Nearby are two other volcanoes Acatenango and the always smoking, sometimes
erupting, Fuego.
With a temperate climate and friendly inhabitants, Antigua provides a warm
welcome to visitors. The city's amenities include excellent hotels and restaurants
- which serve traditional and international cuisine, plus banks, stores, Internet
cafés, travel agencies, Spanish-language schools and art galleries.
Antigua's more than 50 Spanish-language schools draw students from all around
the world.
Antigua is situated in a highland valley, backdropped by the spectacular Agua
Volcano. Nearby are two other volcanoes Acatenango and the always smoking,
sometimes erupting, Fuego. Neighboring towns and villages include Ciudad Vieja,
Jocotenango, San Juan El Obispo, Santa María de Jesús, San Bartolomé
Milpas Altas, Santa Catalina and Barahona.
Antigua is noted for its varied crafts, such as: terracotta, ceramics, wrought
iron, silver and jade jewelry, wooden sculptures, carved colonial-style furniture,
traditional costumes and weavings, figured stone, brass, jarcia, and traditional
toys. Its wide variety of traditional handmade products carries on the traditions
of generations of its artisans.
A major event held in Antigua every July 25th is a festival which celebrates
the town's saint -Santiago or St James, who was the Patron saint of the conquistadors.
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