Culture
Guatemala's
many Mayan ruins and colonial buildings are its most impressive architectural
attributes. One of the most intriguing cultural aspects is the infinite and
exotic variety of the handmade, traditional clothing of Guatemala's Maya population.
The design of the women's colorfully embroidered tunics, capes and skirts
dates back to precolonial days. Certain details of garment and design identify
the wearer's group and village, and can also have multiple religious or magical
meanings. Music and traditional dance also feature in many Mayan religious
festivals. Unfortunately, many Guatemalan students here in the U.S. would
never be seen in the colorful clothing that would identify them as Guatemalan.
They seem to adopt the urban style of Guadalara or Mexico City, Mexico.
Spanish is the most commonly spoken language in Guatemala, and Roman Catholicism
is the principal religion. Evangelical and Pentecostal Christian denominations
have gained wide followings, while the Maya have preserved aspects of their
traditional religions, often blended with Catholicism.
Guatemalan cuisine can't compete with that of Mexico, although standard Mexican
fare such as tortillas and tacos can be found. Here in the U.S., there are
very few Guatemalan restaurants, and most Guatemalans are comfortable at any
Mexican Taqueria. In Guatemala, a typical tourist would encounter tough grilled
or fried meat, meat and more meat. Beans and rice are often the cheapest and
best alternative, and the country has a surprising number of Chinese restaurants.
Coffee is available everywhere - sometimes spectacularly good, but the best
beans are typically exported. Beer is prevalent, in light and dark versions,
and rum and Quetzalteca are the nation's favored rocket fuels.
Further Reading
*
I, Rigoberta Menchu is the autobiography of Guatemala's Indian Nobel
Peace Prize winner - a very moving story of Mayan life and government repression.
* Time and the Highland Maya by Barbara Tedlock is an anthropological
study of the Quiché Indians of Momostenango.
* Unfinished Conquest: The Guatemalan Tragedy by Victor Perera looks
at the history of the Maya and their situation in modern Guatemala.
* The Central America Fact Book by Tom Barry & Deb Preusch examines
the economic, political and military role of the USA in Central America.
* Birds of Guatemala by Hugh C Land is a field guide to - surprisingly
enough - the birds of Guatemala.
* Clamor of Innocence: Central American Short Stories, edited by Barbara
Paschke & David Volpendesta, contains 31 short stories by writers from
the region.
*The
Maya Diaspora: Guatemalan Roots, New American Lives
Author: Loucky, James and Marilyn M. Moors, editors
*Children of Immigration by Carola Suarez-Orozco and Marcelo Suarez-Orozco