CONGRATULATIONS to all the Challengers on our first six Charity Challenges of 2011, biking from Guatemala to Honduras, the inaugural Nicaragua Volcano Challenge, Brazil's Chapada Diamantina Challenge , Guatemala's first Caribbean Kayak Challenge, Perú´s Cerani Pass and Ecuador's Volcano Challenge. Nicaragua's second volcano Challenge is set for 3rd-6th November and the third Guatemala Volcano Challenge dates are set for 27th November -2nd December.

Click on the following for our most recent official project reports for Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Perú and Brazil.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Semana Santa traditions remain strong in Itzapa, Guatemala


This week in Guatemala, and in the rest of Latin America, Semana Santa, or Easter celebrations, are adherred to, none more so than in Itzapa.

The children in the school, led admirably by Oscar, made alfombras (carpets) made from flowers and spent the next four hours in a procession around the streets of Itzapa, the first time they have ever been able to do this.

The whole scenario was steeped in tradition and culture, with a mixture of Maya and traditional faith and was humbling to be a part of, especially as many mothers joined in.

The procession walked the streets, led of course by the incense and the loud noises made by a wooden instrument, strongly played by Luis after each stop, and also two elders of the community with flute and drum.

Whilst not promoting religion, GVI Phoenix is keen to see local customs and culture preserved, and the ceremony we witnessed was testament to the fact that indigenous tradition and culture is still alive and kicking in Itzapa.
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The following film was made in Guatemala, though the message is the same across all GVI Phoenix projects