Guatemala first celebrated its independence from Spain on September 15th of 1821. Guatemala now celebrates its independence for about two weeks straight. It’s a big deal.
I was in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala for the duration, and witnessed celebrations of Guatemala’s independence with a seemingly endless supply of children’s parades, brass bands, traditional dress, street food, beauty pageants, heavy boozing, concerts, dancing and thrill rides.
The below photos were shot in the streets of Quetzaltenango as well as at the Xela Feria. At the time I was shooting on the Olympus OM-D E-M1. Check my Photo Gear List for Travel for a rundown of what equipment I use today.
Xela Feria & Guatemalan Independence 2014: Selected Photos
Colorful women’s trajes tipicos.
Dance with the devil. A representation of Spanish conquistadors.
A mobile chess game.
Men’s trajes tipicos of Sololá and Todos Santos – two of my favorites in Guatemala.
Majorette with red lips swings red hips.
Fully equipped with aguardiente.
Tequila & Tacos, and my unkempt hair and beard of the time.
Friends.
Illegal bar in the street. Everyone drank until 4:00 AM.
Nanna and Blanca, walking through traffic to the Xela Feria.
The family that corns together, stays together.
No seatbelt. A Guatemalteca friend told me that she broke her arm on this ride a year prior, but was anxious to ride again.
Balls out. Everything was for sale along the side of the road near the Feria.
Future tacos / chicharron.
Debating which ride to take next.
Photographic reciprocity.
Would I recommend a visit to Xela (Quetzaltenango), Guatemala during Guatemalan independence? Definitely. Between the celebrations in Parque Central and the Xela Feria itself, there’s more or less nonstop action, more food than one could possibly consume, and great people watching to boot. Plus, Guatemaltecos are some of the friendliest people out there, and this is a great time to meet them.
Thanks for reading / viewing!
