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Social Profile
Food & Drink: There is a variety of restaurants and cafes serving a wide selection of cooking styles including American, Argentinian, Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Mexican and Spanish. Fast-food chains also have outlets here and there are many continental-style cafes. The visitor should note that food varies in price rather than quality.
Nightlife: In Guatemala City in particular, there are nightclubs and discos with modern music and dance, featuring national and international artists. Guatemala is the home of marimba music, which can be heard at several venues. In the cities, the marimba is a huge elaborate xylophone with large drum sticks played by four to nine players. In rural areas the sounding boxes are made of different shaped gourds (marimbas de tecomates). There are regular concerts throughout Guatemala. There are also theatres and numerous plays in English and other cultural performances. Films with English and Spanish subtitles are often shown in major towns. The most important museums and art galleries are found in Guatemala City, La Antigua Guatemala and Tikal National Park.
Shopping: Special purchases include textiles, handicrafts, jewellery, jade carvings, leather goods, ceramics and basketry. Markets are best for local products and bargaining is necessary. Ceramics can be purchased cheaply in many places including Villa de Chinautla, San Luis Jilotepeque and Rabinal. Cobán is the cheapest place to buy silverware. The Central Market in Guatemala City and the Craft Market provide a range of crafts combining traditional and modern styles. Guatemala City contains many modern shopping centres and malls. Gran Centro Comercial Los Proceres, Galerias La Pradera, Plaza Cemaco and Geminis International Mall are all located in Zone 10. In addition, visitors may make use of the facilities at Tikal Futura, Peri-Roosevelt Shopping Mall and the Century Shopping Centre. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0930-1930. Malls are also open on Sunday.
Special Events: For further details, contact the Guatemala Tourist Commission (see Contact Addresses). The following is a selection of festivals and cultural events held in Guatemala during 2003:
Apr 13-20 Easter Processions, Antigua. Nov 1-2 Day of the Dead (celebrations and horse racing), Todos Santos. Nov 2 Day of the Dead Kite Festival, Santiago Sacatepequez. Dec 7 La Quema del Diablo (burning of the devil), Antigua. Dec 21 Festival de San Tomas (festival of Saint Thomas), Chichicastenango.
Social Conventions: Guatemala is the most populated of the Central American republics and is the only one which is predominantly Indian, although the Spanish have had a strong influence on the way of life. Full names should be used when addressing acquaintances, particularly in business. Dress is conservative and casual wear is suitable except in the smartest dining rooms and clubs. Tipping: Ten per cent is normal in restaurants where service has not been included.
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