Our Culture

You will be amazed when you first reach Guatemala by just how helpful, polite and unhurried Guatemalans are. Everyone has time to stop, chat and explain what you want to know. Most Guatemalans like to get to know other people without haste.
Violence is what explains why some people show caution when meeting a stranger, but usually this doesn't happen when meeting a tourist. Most of us love meeting people from all over the world and learn about other cultures and traditions.
Few Guatemalans exhibit the stress, worry and hurry of the developed nations. They're people who don't expect wealth or good government but make the best of what comes their way in friendship, family, a good meal, or just appreciating good company.
Guatemalans are a religious bunch. People's faiths give them hope, not only of better things, but for some improvements in the future. The majority would be either catholic or evangelic and we celebrate a lot of festive dates based on our religion.
It is said that Guatemala has no middle class, but even though the comparison is big, I believe that is not true. The truth is Guatemala is divided in Mayas that covers approximately 80% of the population and they tend to be poor and poorly educated, and the Ladinos which is the minority group, working-class and middle-class. Typically catholic and family oriented, but usually influenced by education and the media.
Both groups do agree in something, Guatemalans are known for having this strong relationship with their families, community and specially their traditions. There is a common tradition among all of Guatemalans, every Sunday we spend it with our own family, each family goes to a restaurant, or just to grandma's house where they make their own typical food, but the truth is we love spending time together.
You should visit us, that way you'll make sure that Guatemala (even though it has its issues, like any other country) has some great people waiting for you to arrive, some pretty cool and unique traditions which will make your experience incredible and of course some beautiful scenery and places to visit.
Who knows maybe you decide this is where you really belong.