Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Las Posaditas are extremely important in Guatemala, as it was the first country in America Continent to adopt this practice, which strengthens both the home and spiritual relationships. Introduced in the16th century (1723) by Friar Hermano Pedro de Betancourt, he traveled from the Canary Islands in Spain to Antigua Guatemala and founded the Bethlemite Order. He soon realized how much Guatemala Culture is focus on family values and invited everyone to receive in their homes a Procession symbolizing only Virgen Mary and Saint Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, looking for the inn where Christ was to be born.
Later in time, this procession evolved into a larger pilgrimage where families, from children to grown ups, had a special rol, blending prehispanic elements such as Chirimilla, colorful lanterns that light up the path or Huehuetl, a guatemalan drum, turning the experience into an authentic celebration and perfect moment to bond community and life leasons for the new generations.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Find us between the Santa Catarina arch and Las Capuchinas Convent. The Columbus Guatemala Travel Team will be waiting for you at Casa Mandarina, a colonial co-working with yellow facade. When you arrive, discover Kaldi and Kapra, your favorite Coffee House and finally go to office No 8 next.
Once we've savored the meal, kids will brake the pinata and we'll return you via Chiken Bus to your hotels in Antigua, carrying with us the warmth and joy of this festive peregrination.
Itinerary
-
1
A lively performance, also called "pastorela," a theatrical play depicting the shepherds welcoming Jesus. With colonial influences, it tells the story leading up to Jesus' birth. Enjoy this beautiful moment filled with light, music, art and creativity. An experience that collectively strengthens community ties and cultural identity
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2The Plaza Central Park
After a touching moment, a ten-minute walk will lead us to admire the artwork created by local artisans and artists, a deeply rooted tradition in Antigua Guatemala. The figures and decorative elements recreate Guatemalan end-of-year traditions, blending regional authenticity with New World influences, and depict the Bethlehem scene culminating in the birth of Jesus. It's essential to understand that the creation of nativity scenes in Guatemala has become, over time, a symbol of family strength, unity, and devotion. Often adorned with natural plants, fountains, colored sawdust, and stones, each scene creates a unique atmosphere at home. Every nativity scene reflects the family's creativity and can vary in complexity and style.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Arco de Santa Catalina
We will walk by since the main street that connects El Manchen and Main Square is 5th Avenue or Santa Catalina Arch Street. We complete our wonderful experience and everybody walks on their own back to their place, we use as an easy reference La Merced Church as this will take you directly back to the Main Squar
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Concluding your visit to the previous work of art, we will jump into your mini chicken bus for 15 minutes drive to El Manchen. Posadita Elements: Host family: This is the home that has the honor of being chosen to be the house visited and receives Mary and Joseph along with the community that goes in a pilgrimage-like manner, with multiple homes in the neighborhood participating. Pilgrims: Along with children, young people, and adults, singing the posada songs and follow the procession from house to house. Traditional Musical Instruments: such as the turtle shell, chinchines, and trumpets, among others. Christmas Carols and traditional songs: Pilgrims and children sing to ask for lodging. Food and Decoration: Seasonal foods such as fruit punch, tamales, atol, and sweets are shared, homes are decorated with lights, cellophane paper decorations, and tin cans for lanterns Pinata: Generally a pinata is broken at the end representing how we brake with all the sins in this world.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
5Iglesia de La Merced
We use La Merced Church as a reference to walk back after our wonderful experience.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Company
Get our app
