How to Blend in Like a Local in Guatemala
Expressions
Useful Verbs
A great thing about Spanish is the ability to make a verb out of almost any word. One verb used in Guatemala that is revealing of the culture is "dominguiar" which basically means to wander around aimlessly on a Sunday. Sit in the central park on a Sunday and you will see exactly what this means! If you speak some Spanish you will notice that in Guatemala people almost always use the formal usted form (a more formal way of saying you)-- not only is it used with strangers, but also among family members and couples to show respect. But in addition to the "tu" form, people will often use "vos" between friends. This is an even more informal way of saying you (tu)-- it is different that the vos form in Spain and it does not mean for more than one person. It is also used in Argentina.
Greetings
Guatemalans are very formal and will generally greet people in the street with "buenos dias," "buenas tardes," or "buenas noches" (good morning, good afternoon or good night). Stemming from a history filled with violence and civil war, common sayings in Guatemalan tend to be fatalistic—meaning things are not under one’s own control. For example, when you say to someone, “hasta mañana” (see you tomorrow), their response will likely be “primero Dios” (God willing).
Buen Provecho
Literally translates to 'Good Digestion'. This saying is a courtesy to those who are about to begin eating, those who have been interrupted mid-meal, and those who have recently finished eating. It's a bit like a drawn-out 'Bon Appetit!'
Gringo y Chapin
The term gringo is used a lot by Guatemalans but almost never is said with any animosity and is used mostly by kids on the street trying to get your attention. In Spanish the word for someone who is Guatemalan is "Guatemalteco/a" but the slang word is "chapin" or "chapina." A trend right now for Guatemalans is to wear t-shirts or baseball hats that say 100% Chapin.
Guatemala City
Guatemalans will refer to Guatemala City as either just “Guatemala,” “la ciudad” (the city), or “el capital” (the capital). This can be confusing when someone keeps referring to Guatemala and you think that you are in Guatemala...they are probably referring to Guatemala City.
Xela
Xela (pronounced Shey-la) is what everyone calls Quetzaltenango. Xela is derived from the K'iche' word
Xelaju which means 'under the ten hills', refering to the mountains surrounding it.
Culture
Beauty Pageants
Guatemalans love their women. This is displayed throughout the country in the many forms of beauty pageants that are held on pretty much every occasion. Even the plantations and the sports teams have their own ribboned beauties.
Fireworks
Don't be surprised if you hear firecrackers at 5:00 in the morning-- they are an everyday occurrence in Guatemala since they are used for any kind of celebration... birthdays, holidays, anniversaries… During the month of December you can see fireworks and hear firecrackers (cuetes) almost every day. And try to keep a safe distance from parque central on New Year's Eve or risk getting hit with one!
San Simon
Known in Guatemala as Maximon, this deity is worshiped by Mayan people throughout the country who make offerings such as cigars and booze, and ask for his blessing. Some believe that, while he can protect them from evil spirits, he can also provide them with wives, jobs and money. San Simon (as he is known by the Spanish) is usually kept in the home of a worshipper and often moved annually to a new place. There are several accessible towns where visitors are welcome to pay their respects (and take a photo for 10Q) including Santiago de Atitlan, San Andres Itzapa (near Antigua) and San Andres Xecul (near Xela). Maximon often has a cigar hanging out of his mouth and a bottle of alcohol displayed nearby. In some towns he looks a little like Michael Jackson. If you have time when you go to visit, wait around a while to see if a blessing is going to be performed by the shaman.
Tipping
In places that cater to tourists a 10% tip is expected and will even be automatically included in the bill at many restaurants and bars. One line of the bill will say "propina" if it is already included.
Bargaining
If you are shopping in a market or on the street, make sure you bargain! Vendors will more than double prices. It is best to offer a little more than half the quoted price and go from there. Or, start off with the price you want to pay, irrespective of what their offer was.
Toilet paper
One thing guide books don’t usually tell you…in Guatemala, like most of Latin America, you cannot put toilet paper in the toilet in most places. There should be a garbage next to the toilet to put it in. If you aren't sure, ask!
Food & Drink
Lunch Menus
All over Guatemala you will find lunch menus advertised. Between Q. 15 and Q.25, these menus are a great option for those who are looking for inexpensive food but want to enjoy a nice table and silverware. At La Escudilla, in Antigua, you can get a lunch or dinner menu for Q.18, which includes a salad or soup, a main course (spinach gnocchi/lasagna/…) and lemonade.
Beer
The Gallo beer company pretty much monopolizes Guatemalan beer. Not only is it the most popular but it also owns most of the other beer options including Moza—Guatemala’s dark beer and Dorada—a lighter beer. Brahva is the only real competition for Gallo—its a Brazilian beer called Brama in the rest of Latin America but the name was changed for sale in Guatemala because Brama is a slang word here.
Local drinks
A popular local drink is the Michelada which is a mix of tomato juice, Worcester sauce, Tabasco, salt, pepper and lime juice with beer. Its great for hangovers! Liquados are popular non-alcoholic drinks in Guatemala. They are smoothies that can be made with either water, milk or yogurt blended with fresh fruit. If you are buying one at a street stand make sure that they make it with “agua pura,” or purified water! Also, if you get one “para llevar,” or to go, that means it will come in a plastic bag with a straw.
Uniquely Guatemala
Chicken Buses
These buses (which are actually old American school buses) serve as public transportation for the masses. They got their name not from the crazy designs that you see splashed all over them, but from the fact that the people on board are often packed in so tightly they look like caged chickens. Although cheap and convenient, these buses are extremely dangerous and have been the victims (and more often the cause) of many fatal accidents throughout the country. It is a cultural experience to take one though-- but better for a short trip than a long one. If you speak any Spanish, its a good idea to ask another person on the bus what the fare is to where you are going because the "ayudante" or assistant who collects the money sometimes will try to charge a tourist more than the actual price.
Learn how to ride a chicken bus.
Seasons
According to Guatemalans, there are only two seasons: winter and summer. It follows that rainy season would then be winter and dry season is summer even though that makes winter from April to October and summer from November to March. So even though we are in the same hemisphere the seasons are backwards...
Canicula
Every year during rainy season there are two weeks of perfect
weather.
The Hammock
This comfy, tropical bed is a Mayan invention. It was created as a place of rest to combat the hot weather of the area.
La Tienda
Guatemala, and especially the city of Antigua, is full of
Tiendas, small stores which carry everything from toothbrushes to fresh tortillas, and although these might not be considered an obvious choice for this list, this is probably the most frequented place by Guatemalans. Their convenient location (there’s one on almost every street corner) and opening hours (open way past the local supermarket) makes these a place you need to get acquainted with quickly. Where else can you go if you run out of tooth paste at 9pm (no 7-elevens here) or suddenly have a craving for chocolate?
Packing Tips
Remember that in Guatemala pick-pocketing is not uncommon. In order to avoid attracting too much attention, dress conservatively, as you will notice Guatemalans generally do, and leave expensive jewelry at home.
Also, you don't need a converter for electrical outlets if appliances are from the US. All outlets in Guatemala are compatible.
Local Dress
This video shows some children dressed in their traditional huipils in the town of Aguas Calientes.
