Meet us in 2a Calle Poniente #2 - Kaldi & Kapra Coffee House

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.

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.

El Machen, Antigua Guatemala

Concluding our visit to the previous work of art, we will jump into our mini chicken bus for 15 minutes drive to El Manchen, the principal elements of Posaditas are:
Host family - This is the home that has the honor of being chosen to be the house visited and receives Mary & 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 (rattles), and trumpets, among others.
Christmas Carols and traditional songs - Pilgrims and children sing to ask for lodging, which the host families respond to.
Food and Decoration - Seasonal foods such as fruit punch, tamales, atol (a corn-based drink), and sweets are shared, homes are decorated with lights, cellophane paper decorations, and tin cans for lanterns
Piñata - Generally a piñata is broken at the end representing how we brake with all the sins in this world.

Arriving at the first home we will be able to choose an instrument, sing carols, carry the images. We will become one with the community walking to the home that will welcome us, recreating the heartfelt tradition of seeking shelter. We will sing to the closed doors, they reply and when they open their home, then we'll share traditional Guatemalan dishes such as chuchitos, tostadas, and a warm cup of ponche. Once we've savored the meal, kids will brake the piñata and we'll return you via Chiken Bus to your hotels in Antigua, carrying with us the warmth and joy of this festive peregrination.