Image by María José Bonilla/Prensa Libre Every October, Guatemalans pay tribute to the Virgen del Rosario, known as Our Lady of the Rosary in English. She is recognized as the "Saint of the Nation" in Guatemala. In short, the Virgen del Rosario is one of the most revered Marian devotions in Guatemala, with her feast day observed annually on October 7. Throughout the month, Guatemala holds a traditional fair dedicated to the Virgen del Rosario. There, you will have an opportun

The most iconic buildings around the world serve as a testament to human innovation and capability. Ranging from ancient wonders that have withstood for centuries to modern architectural masterpieces that redefine city skylines, these iconic landmarks tell different stories of the civilizations that built them. Certain cities, especially New York City and Paris, have more than one iconic building or structure! We will explore some of the world's most iconic buildings and stru

Image by Wix Holy Week, referred to as "Semana Santa" in Spanish, is a major Catholic holiday that is celebrated globally, particularly those with a high Catholic population. Customs and traditions for Holy Week differ from place to place, and Christians celebrate it in many different ways. So what is Holy Week? It is the most important religious celebration in Catholicism. This week commemorates the Passion, or the final eight days in the life of Jesus Christ, from Palm Sund

Image by Ali Karimiboroujeni/Unsplash When you envision a beret, you instinctively connect it with French fashion and sense. According to Merriam-Webster, a beret is defined as a "visorless usually woolen cap with a tight headband and a soft full flat top." Its earliest known use of that definition was in 1826. In fact, the French beret has been an enduring piece of fashion for over a century. Often, people envision the beret in "An American in Paris," mimes, artists, poets a

Image by Wix Sushi is more than just food, it is also a cultural symbol among Japanese society and culture. Originally a centuries-old fish preserving method using fermented rice, sushi has gradually evolved into globally respected symbol of Japanese culture and cuisine. It is renowned for its elegance and simplicity. According to Merriam-Webster, sushi is defined as "cold rice dressed with vinegar, formed into any of various shapes, and garnished especially with bits of raw

Credit: Spanish Academy Antiguena Many of us have person in our lives with whom we can share our concerns with, someone who is willing to hear us out. However, there comes a time when we need just a little extra support. These are known as worry dolls, or munecas quitapenas in Spanish. They are various ways of crafting these dolls. Ranging between 1 to 3 inches high, they are made from wire, wood and cardboard for the base. Then, they cover the body with different types of ma

Deep inside Guatemala's lush forests, one particular bird is one of the most coveted in the world. In addition, seeing this bird in the wild is considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all. Image by Aleksandar Popovski/Unsplash It is known as the Resplendent Quetzal (scientific name is Pharomacrus mocinno) and recognized as Guatemala's national bird. It is featured on both Guatemala's national flag and its coat of arms. It even lends its name to the country's currency,

Image by Roven Images/Unsplash Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a holiday celebrated with patriotic displays, such as outdoor barbecues, booming fireworks, fun-filled parades and other festive activities. Independence Day is celebrated every year because it marks a pivotal moment in the nation's history. The United States declared its freedom from British rule upon adopting the Declaration of Independence in 1776 by the Continental Congress, which wa

When you think of Easter, you imagine about the delicious chocolate bunnies and candy eggs. However, it is much more than that. Image by Wix A cornerstone in the Christian faith, Easter is an important celebration because it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his Crucifixion. In the Christian calendar, Easter follows Lent, which is the 40 days (not including Sundays) before Easter. Lent is traditionally observed as a period of acts of penance and f

Image by AJ/Unsplash Every year, especially in Japan, a wave of cherry blossoms signal the arrival of spring. This season also symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. The cherry blossom, known as sakura, is the national flower of Japan, alongside the iris and the chrysanthemum. Cherry blossoms are very important in Japanese culture. In fact, you will often see these flowers in Japanese paintings, poetry and literature. From a historical context, the blossoms represented the sh

In the United States, families consider Thanksgiving as one of the most important holidays of the year. Every year, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Most families follow the same traditions that started on the first Thanksgiving, but many have their own traditions that they follow every year. A couple of examples of Thanksgiving traditions include the turkey pardon and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The traditional Thanksgiving feast is cons

If you have been to Guatemala, you are probably curious as to why this country has plentiful of natural wonders, especially lakes, volcanoes and mountains. In fact, a hidden gem exists in Guatemala City that is definitely worth visiting. In addition, this is considered a gem in modern engineering and art. This is called a raised-relief map, a type of 3D map that shows the different elevations (high points) and depressions (low points) of a land surface using contour lines and

When you think of Guatemala, you think of the quetzal, the sound of the marimba and the coat of arms on the country's flag, all of which are important symbols of the Central American country. However, Guatemala has a symbol that not only highlights the country's cultural patrimony, but also represents Guatemala's biodiversity. The national flower of Guatemala is known as the Monja Blanca (translated to "white nun" in English). The origins of the name "Monja Blanca" goes back

Bread is the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to foods with the most significant cultural and historical impact. In other words, bread is considered a staple in many different diets. You will find multiple types of bread around the world, each with a unique taste and texture. Let's also not forget smell, which is an important part of the bread. According to Merriam-Webster, bread is a "usually baked and leavened food made of a mixture whose basic constituent is fl

If you have been to or lived in Guatemala, you probably know that corn tortillas is a must-have staple in its traditional cuisine. The main ingredient, corn, is a staple crop in Guatemala and dates back to the ancient Mayas at least 3,500 years ago. Based on the Maya creation myth from "Popol Vuh," the sacred Maya book, corn was used to create man after other methods, such as wood and mud, had failed. Corn also appears in another legend from "Popol Vuh," where two brothers we

Every year before Easter, Guatemala gets a splash of vivid colors for the Holy Week festivities. In a country marred by cultural divisions and deep inequalities, the celebration symbolizes hope and unity. According to UNESCO, Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Guatemala "entails processions, vigils, funeral marches, seasonal gastronomy," as well as the creation of carpets, orchards and altars. In addition, buildings and fronts of houses are decorated to complement the festive atmosp

In Guatemala, celebrating Holy Week, or Semana Santa in Spanish, is one of the most important religious celebrations of the year, offering tourists a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the authentic culture of Guatemala. No city in the world embraces and cherishes Lent and Holy Week like Antigua Guatemala. In fact, Holy Week is considered the busiest week of the year in Antigua Guatemala. This historic city basically doubles in population size, and all the hotels get boo

Textiles are a beautiful way to display designs unique to each nation around the world. Often, these designs are fabrics containing intricate, colorful patterns and embellishments. Textiles are usually created for traditional wear - from Japanese kimonos to Scottish kilts - and for decorative pieces meant to be valued for their unique artistry. Here is a sample of some textiles from around the world that are rich in both beauty and history. Tartan (Scotland) One of the first

When we think of a wedding dress, we think of the beautiful, long white gowns that brides wear on their big day. In fact, white is the most common color worn by brides in Western-style weddings. However, in certain cultures and countries, wedding dresses, and wedding attire, in general, can look quite different. Here is a sample of some traditional wedding dresses from around the world. India Bridal fashion in India is considered to be one of the most gorgeous in the world. C

Dolls are a great example of a childhood memento and have captivated people for centuries. At some point, you might have some memories playing with dolls, especially to project your imaginations. According to Dictionary.com, a doll is "a small figure representing a baby or other human being, especially for use as a child's toy." They have been constructed out of a variety of materials, such as plastic, rubber, wood, ivory and even bone. In fact, dolls have been some of the ol