Teatro Nacional
Centro Cultural "Miguel Angel Asturias"
Teatro Nacional
Our Main Sponsors
Check out videos of Dance-Forms Productions at www.youtube.com/user/sbawill2
Susana B. Williams, director of Dance-Forms Productions, has chosen Centro Cultural "Miguel Angel Asturias" to host Danceforms' "The 47th International Choreographers' Showcase,"
Friday, June 19, 2009 at 20:00 hours
Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 17:00 hours
Everybody is invited!
Admisión
Platea Q100.00
Balcón I Q75.00
Balcón II Q40.00
ˇDos Noches Inolvidables!
Para adquirir su boleto con anticipación, visite a TODOTICKET www.todoticket.com
Program
"When Wet Came To Paper"
Guatemala Premiere
Choreographer: Winifred R. Harris/ Music: Praise
Costumes: Winifred R. Harris
Performers: Candice Cross, Jerrell Johnson, Adrian Young, Ja Young Kim, Winifred R.Harris
This performance is sponsored by Winifred R. Harris/Between Lines
Winifred R.Harris
Winifred R. Harris, a multi-faceted artist, teacher, and community activist. As a choreographer, she consciously balances the inherently beautiful escapism of dance and the social realities that form today’s aesthetic and cultural values. She enjoys working with fantasies and dreams, as well understanding and taking responsibility for issues grounded in reality. In short, Ms. Harris is a visionary who creates art as conversation, a connective tissue to the world, and a means to see beyond what we think of as "limits." Her work is a strong balance of technical prowess and expression through gesture.
Ms. Harris began her training under the guidance of Denver’s critically acclaimed Cleo Parker Robinson. She then went on to dance professionally for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble for 10 years, followed by the Dallas Black Dance Theater, and she also enjoyed a solo stint in New York and abroad during that time.
In October 1991, Ms. Harris relocated and made her home in Los Angeles, founding the critically lauded and award-nominated Winifred R. Harris’ BETWEENLINES, a contemporary modern dance company. During the past fifteen years of Ms. Harris’ work as a choreographer, she has garnered special notice from both the Los Angeles Times and the California Arts Council for LA Cultural Affairs.
In recognition of her dedication and commitment in bringing dance to underprivileged youth through her teaching efforts within the Los Angeles community, Ms. Harris has received several awards from the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles. Ms. Harris has developed a significant body of work throughout past years, not only for her own company, but also for a variety of college and professional companies alike. She has also choreographed for the stage with her involvement in the Poetic Opera and the original opera Testimony.
Her choreography has been seen all over the United States as well as internationally. Last year the company performed in Montenegro and Greece. An exceptional teacher, Ms. Harris has been on staff at Dallas Black Dance Theater, the Colorado State Ballet and has also been on the dance faculty, and/or taught master classes and workshops at various universities and studios throughout the country, including Cal State Los Angeles, Northridge and Long Beach, Orange County Performing Arts High School, Spellman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and several others. Through her company, Winifred R. Harris’ BETWEENLINES, Ms. Harris continues to be active in her environment, teaching at LA County women’s, children’s, and family shelters and for community organizations throughout the metro area, including The Heart Project and City of Peace.
"Morning"
Premiered at the Roxy Art House, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2006
Choreographer: Christopher Hutchings/ Music: Sonata, Op. 27 No. 2 by Ludwig van Beethoven
Rehearsal Director: Brenda Arévalo/ Costumes/ Charles Youseff
Performers: Virginia Girón and Benjamin Calderón
Christopher Hutchings
Christopher Hutchings, Assistant Artistic Director of Laura Peterson Choreography Company is a dancer and choreographer. His work has been performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as well as in Germany, Taiwan, and the US. In 2003, he traveled to Moscow as Assistant Choreographer for Konstantine Uralsky at Ballet Moskva. Christopher has performed with Connecticut Ballet, Jody Oberfelder, Opus Dance Theater, Virginia Ballet, and Second Wind Dance. He holds a BFA in dance from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and has guest taught at Loyola and Rowan Universities and throughout Connecticut. Christopher has worked with Laura Peterson since 2001.
"An Accident In Paradise"
Premiered at ArtéDanse in Biel, Switzerland on May 29, 2009
Choreographer: Susana B. Williams/ Music: Sven Väth's "An Accident in Paradise"
Costumes: Susana Williams Collection
Performer: Susana B. Williams
Sponsored by Dance-Forms, Inc.
Susana B.Williams
Carlos A. Arriola, photographer
Susana B. Williams is co-founder, current director of DANCE-FORMS PRODUCTIONS and the creator of "THE INTERNATIONAL CHOREOGRAPHERS' SHOWCASE" a branch of Dance-Forms Productions presenting the collaborative work of distinguished choreographers at prestigious international events. On May 5, 2003 Williams received the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky for her work as ambassador of good will and fellowship around the world, as well as for her contributions to Kentucky and her special achievements in the art of dance and choreography. Williams was one of a selected group chosen from the United States to serve on the Nijinsky Awards 2002 Experts Commitee.
As a professional dancer Williams performed with dance companies in Central America, Mexico, Canada, the United States, and France. Williams held the Artistic Directorship of the National School of Dance of San Salvador, El Salvador, Modern and Folklore Dance Company of Guatemala, Primogénesis, Classical Ballet of El Salvador, and Thought-Forms Dance Company. As a choreographer, she's interested in expressing myth through dance. Williams is one of the finalist choreographers awarded at the 1993, 7th Saitama International Choreography Competition in Japan. She is the recipient of the 1988-89 Kentucky Arts Council's Al Smith Fellowship for Choreography and she was the first choreographer receiving the Individual Artist Professional Development Award from the same organization. Williams' choreography has been produced by national dance companies in Central America, arts festivals in the United States, Mexico, France, Japan, Lithuania.
With Dance-Forms she presented her work in more than 1,000 professional presentations including performances at the Kentucky Center in Louisville, Kentucky, Theatre Golovine in Avignon, France, Centre de Danse du Marais and Le Regard du Cygne in Paris, France, Centro Cultural "Miguel Angel Asturias" in Guatemala City, Teatro de la Danza of the Fine Arts Institute in Mexico City, the Vienna Festival in Vienna, Austria, Festival Estivo of the University of Dance at Giovinazzo di Bari in Italy, the Youth Theater in Vilnius, and the Drama Theater in Kaunas, Lithuania, Proyecto Cultural El Sitio in Antigua, Guatemala, Teatro del Estado in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico, Schouwburg Amstelveen in Amstelveen, Holland, The International Dance Fair NRW 2000 in Essen, Germany, the Monaco Danses Dances Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Teatro Pedro Díaz in Córdoba and Teatro Netzahualcoyotl in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, Mexico, the Roxy Art House at the Edinburgh International Festival Fringe in Scotland, The Youth Theater in Novi Sad, the Belgrade Drama Theater in Serbia, the Montenegrin National Theater in Podgorica, Montenegro, Le Mercat de les Flors in Barcelona, Teatro Madrid in Madrid, Spain, Dora Stratou Theater in Athens, Greece, ArtéDanse in Biel, Switzerland and a tour of nine major cities throughout Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri.
"The BAND by le Wolf"
Premiered on April 4, 2009 in Amsterdam
Collaboration between William Collins and Florentina Holzinger/ Music: The Band
Costumes: William Collins
Performers: William Collins and Florentina Holzinger
This performance is sponsored by friends of William Collins and Florentina Holzinger
Florentina Holzinger and William Collins
Nellie de Boer, photographer
William Collins
Nellie de Boer, photographer
William Collins is a choreographer/performer from Scotland, UK. He trained at the Laban Centre London, UK and the School for New Dance Development, Netherlands. His recent choreographic work is focused in collaborative processes. He has created work for performers including Deborah Hay and has danced in works created by Richard Alston, Kirstie Simson (UK) and Christian Burns (USA), Lene Boel (Denmark), Homan Sharifi (Norway) and Martin Nachbar (Denmark). His most recent collaborative project with Florentina Holzinger (Austria) is a personal inflection to death and intimacy.
"Free"
Premiered on April 24, 2009 at VII Fiesta Internacional de la Danza in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Choreographer: Antonio Luissi/ Music: Enio Morricone
Costumes: Francesca Luissi
Performer: Norman Barrios
This performance is sponsored by Body Arts
Norman Barrios
Richard Devaux, photographer
Antonio Luissi
Antonio Luissi graduated from the National School of Dance of Guatemala and continued the study of dance in Paris, France. As a professional dancer he performed with Ballet Guatemala, the Musical Revue "Zizi Je t'aime" directed by French choreographer Roland Petit, and Münich Opera Ballet where he interpreted a repertory of classical and modern works. Luissi has been a solo dancer with Ballet Nacional de Panamá, Tanz Forum in Cologne, Münich Opera Ballet, Teatro Comunale de Florencia in Italy, Mary Anthony Dance Company in New York City. Luissi received degrees as Dance Pedagogue from the Münich State Conservatory, as Sports Specialist from Münich State University, and as Specialist in Conditioning and Force from USCA in California, USA.
"Sonnet Suite"
(Sonnet # 2)
Guatemala Premiere
Choreographer: Winifred R. Harris/ Music: Cassandra Wilson
Costumes: Jay
Performer: Ja Young Kim
(Sonnet # 3)
Guatemala Premiere
Choreographer: Winifred R. Harris/ Music: Cassandra Wilson
Costumes: Winifred R. Harris
Performers: Adrian Young
(Sonnet # 4)
Guatemala Premiere
Choreographer: Winifred R. Harris/ Music: Cassandra Wilson
Costumes: Winifred R. Harris
Performers: Jerrell Johnson and Adrian Young
"Shelling Peas"
Guatemala Premiere
Choreographer: Winifred R.Harris/ Music: to be announced
Costumes: Winifred R. Harris
Performer: Winifred R.Harris
Winifred R.Harris
"Sleeping Beauty (First Act Variation)"
Choreographer: Marius Petipa/ Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Staged, coordinated and directed by Brenda Arévalo
Costumes: Sonia Juárez
Performer: Karen Devaux
Karen Devaux
Karen Melissandre Devaux Juárez received dance instruction from her parents Sonia Juárez and Richard Devaux, as well as from Reyna Silva, Lissette Aguilar and Christa Mertins at Academia Marcelle Bonge and the Lissette Aguilar Ballet Studio. She traveled to Argentina where she studied with Estela Saladino, Olga Ferri, Lidia Segni, Aichi Akamine, Freddy Romero, Norma Binagui, Alejandra Libertella at Taller de Danza Contemporánea del Teatro San Martin in Buenos Aires. As professional dancer she receives daily training and personalized coaching from Brenda Arévalo. In previous years she performed with Ballet Contemporáneo de Caracas, Opera Aida presented at Centro Cultural "Miguel Angel Asturias," Danceforms' "The 44th International Choreographers' Showcase" and annual presentations of Marcelle Bonge Dance Academy.
Brenda Arévalo
Brenda Arévalo is well known for her extraordinary achievements in dance. As principal dancer she performed for more than fifteen years with Ballet Nacional de Guatemala, dancing all the leading roles including "Giselle" staged by Anton Dolin and "Romeo and Juliet" choreographed by Paul Mejía of New York City Ballet. In 1963 at age 14, she toured Mexico and the USA with Ballet Concierto of Mexico. Other engagements followed and she began accepting invitations to work and perform as leading dancer with many prestigious companies, among them Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Les Ballets de l'Opera de Monte Carlo under the direction of Marika Bessobrasova, Grupo Gulbenkian de Bailado under the direction of Milko Sparamblek, Ballet Spectacular of Miami where Fernando Bujones was a frequent guest artist. With Grupo Gulbenkian and Ballet Spectacular she toured Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, USA, Haiti, and Venezuela. From 1975 through 1977 she performed as principal dancer with Ballet Contemporáneo of Xalapa in Veracruz, Mexico. In 1983 Brenda Arévalo became the Artistic Director of Ballet Nacional de Guatemala and in 1985 she was promoted to General Director of the same company. Her most recent accomplishments include a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Italian choreographer Emio Greco, artistic director of Emio Greco | PC.
"Leave/Left"
Guatemala Premiere
Choreographer: Kate Jordan/ Music: Goran Bregovic
Costumes: Kate Jordan
Performer: Kate Jordan
This performance is sponsored by Kate Jordan
“There are moments in our lives, there are moments in a day, when we seem to see beyond the usual- become clairvoyant. We reach then into reality. Such are the moments of our greatest happiness. Such are the moments of our greatest wisdom.” Robert Henri
Kate Jordan
Paul Gordon Emerson, photographer
Kate is a Washington, DC-based artist who holds an MFA in Dance from the State University of New York at Brockport and a BS in Marketing Management from Grove City College. Her choreography has been commissioned by Perpetual Motion/Modern Dance Oklahoma as well as featured in the Philadelphia Dance Collective (2008 and 2009) and Philly Dance Festival (2007). She currently dances for the CityDance Ensemble 2, Bosma Dance and Karen Reedy Dance. In the past she has performed with MERGE Dance/Meghan Durham, 7Dance Company, At Marah Dance Theatre, and Gwendolyn Bye’s Dancefusion in Philadelphia. In the summer and fall of 2008 she had the privilege of performing solo work by Tara Madsen in Greece, Italy and Guatemala with DanceForms Productions. Kate has been on faculty at DeSales University, Jeanne Ruddy Dance, and CityDance Center at Strathmore. For more information, please visit: www.katejordan.net
"Nada Más"
Premiered on April 24, 22009 at VII Fiesta Internacional de la Danza in Tegucigalpa
Choreographer: Antonio Luissi/ Music: Secret Garden
Costumes: Francesca Luissi
Performers: Alejandro Castro and Derlyn Samary Cano Villatoro (Ballet Moderno y Folklórico de Guatemala)
Alejandro Castro and Derlyn Samary Cano Villatoro
Héctor Durón, photographer
"Night Song"
Guatemala Premiere
Choreographer: Winifred R.Harris/ Music: Cesaria Evora
Costumes: Winifred R. Harris
Performers: Ja Young Kim, Adrian Young, Candice Cross, Jerrell Johnson
Adrian Young
Adrian Young has been a sustaining member of Between Lines for the past 16 years. She began her dance career at Cal. State University of Long Beach. Her dancing has allowed her to travel around the world and perform in such places as Japan, Korea, South America and many other countries. Adrian has worked with such artist as Prince and Aerosmith, and has worked extensively in TV and film. Adrian thanks her family for all of their love & support. She dedicates this performance to her daughter Adronni… I love you sunshine!!
Jerell Johnson, a native of Chicago grew up in a family of performers. At the age of 9 his mother packed up the family and moved them to California. When Jerrell was 13 years old he attended a dance show at Hollywood High School where he saw two of his sister’s friends (who are dancers) perform a hip hop dance routine, which they choreographed themselves, that left him in total awe. From that moment on Jerrell knew that he wanted to be a dancer. He attended Hollywood High School for the Performing Arts, where he studied jazz dance under his very talented teacher Kenny Long. In his junior year of high school Jerell decided to expand his repertoire by studying ballet under the instruction of Lisa Goldschein.
In the few years that Jerell has been a professional dancer he has performed in many shows including Keep on Grovin, Jumpin N Jivin, UBIQUTIS, A Tribute to Black History, Audacious, Rising Star, No Limits, Jazz LA, 2008 (A Tribute To Claude Thompson) and Multi Cultural Festival. He has worked with choreographers and directors Wilberto, Stormy Sacks, Renaldo, Freddi Thomson, Nabila and Lauren Kay.
Tickets on sale at Todoticket: www.todoticket.com
Guatemala
An Invitation from the Director
DEAR CHOREOGRAPHERS,
DANCE-FORMS PRODUCTIONS will present a remarkable group of choreographers in Guatemala City on June 19 and 20, 2009 for Centro Cultural "Miguel Angel Asturias" JUNE FESTIVAL." Would you like to be a participant?
This exciting trip offers choreographers an outstanding opportunity to present their work at the elegant Centro Cultural "Miguel Angel Asturias," to network with directors, producers, other artists, and negotiate new engagements!
Mayan girl |
It has long been said that the rainbow stole its colors from Guatemala, the land of "eternal spring." The magnificence of its volcanoes, its exquisite valleys and the ever-blooming flowers of its luxuriant tropical forests have inspired dreamers for thousands of years. But more than its picturesque landscape, Guatemala's rainbow is surely its Mayan peoples whose history, religion and philosophy of life are proudly displayed in the world's most beautiful costumes. |
I invite serious choreographers who will invest in themselves to expand their knowledge of other cultures, while promoting their work abroad. I invite choreographers who can see this thrilling event as an opportunity to benefit their professional development.
Dance-Forms Productions provides a complete production package, which includes: two performance at the main theater of Centro Cultural "Miguel Angel Asturias," lighting, sound, technical assistance, publicity, pre show rehearsal arrangements, printed programs, and hotel accommodation based on two persons sharing twin bedded rooms with private bath/shower.
Centro Cultural "Miguel Angel Asturias" is one of the most beautiful theaters in the Americas. With a large stage, excellent technical support, and seating capacity for 1,980 people, performing at Centro Cultural is an unforgettable experience.
Mainstage: 21 meters wide x 17 meters deep, plus wings and fly space.
State-of-the-art sound system. Closed circuit video system.
Extensive stage lighting and dimmer systems, including three spotlights.
Full complement of black velour stage draperies, backdrops, scrims and cyclorama.
Complete fly system rigging of several counterweighted lines.
Dressing rooms for 50+ people
To find out how to qualify, and the investment required, call my office at (502) 222-2273. Remember, space is limited, please call right away. You may call from Monday through Saturday, between the hours of 9 A.M. and 9 P.M. Eastern Time.
After we have spoken be prepared to submit your professional resume, full body pictures for publicity, program notes, and a VHS video with samples of your work. Don't forget, participation is by invitation only, so RSVP. Pick up the phone and contact us now! You may e-mail us at any time. Our e-mail is: danceformspro@aol.com
Dance the world with Dance-Forms Productions! Let's do it now!
Don't wait, if you have further questions, you can check our FAQ page, e-mail us by clicking on danceformspro@aol.com or speak personally with me by calling (502) 222-2273.
I look forward to your participation and to welcoming you in Guatemala.
Susana B. Williams
Director
DANCE-FORMS PRODUCTIONS
Alessandra Luissi and Beatriz de Luissi
cordially invite you to
Body Arts Center
Offering Pilates for all ages
Learn to dance with the Masters of Contemporary Dance!
18 calle 14-62 zona 13
Tel. 2362-7235
La Villa Serena
Bed & Breakfast
If you decide to go to Antigua Guatemala, Hotel La Villa Serena is an excellent choice. Hotel La Villa Serena ~ Bed & Breakfast ~ Antigua Guatemala
Callejón del Espíritu Santo #16 Antigua Guatemala
Tel: (502) 7832 - 8448 (502) 7882 - 4426
(502) 5766 - 2873
Welcome to Guatemala
The world of the Maya has many faces: some of them ancient as found carved on towering temples, other as modern as those of the people who live in Guatemala today. They are the descendants of a mighty Maya people whose customs and traditions are still part of the fabric of Guatemalan life.
Guatemala is a showcase of natural history and dramatic landscapes, yet its most distinguishing asset is the rich and colorful traditions of the various ethnic communities, such as Kiché, Kaqchiquel and Achi. Each group has its own language, its special folklore, yet they share a common ancestral heritage as expressed in religion, music, dance, foods and even social organization.
While Spanish and Indian cultures integrate into the country's "mestizaje" the purest of the Maya influences can be found in both the performing and design arts. The handicraft of textiles, in particular, is purely Mayan and a wonderfully colorful, part of the everyday dress.
Outstanding regional dishes accompanied by traditional music and local dance can be found in different celebrations all over Guatemala.
Café Internet Sebastian
5ta. calle 6-85 zona 1
Behind the National Palace
The best internet and e-mail service in downtown Guatemala!
Choreographer Jeff Wallace viewing Palacio Nacional
After the 1773 earthquake, which destroyed the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, today Antigua Guatemala, the capital was moved to its present location in the Valley of the Hermitage. New Guatemala of the Assumption, as it was to be known, was founded in 1775, not far from where the Maya city of Kaminal Juyu flourished a thousand years before.
Although much of the original splendor of the city has fallen to the onslaught of further earthquakes, the center still has some monuments dating back to its founding. The Metropolitan Cathedral and the churches of La Merced, San Miguel de Capuchinas and Santo Domingo are examples of a transition styles from the Barroque to the Neoclassic. The Hermitage of El Carmen, which gave name to the valley where the capital is settled, goes back to 1620. The 20th Century has imprinted different architectural styles on the city. The Post Office, the National Police Building, the National Palace and the Yurrita Church were built in the first half of this century. In the second half of the century, visual artists incorporated their work into the architecture, which can be seen in the buildings of the Civic Center, with murals by national artists of the caliber of Carlos Merida.Today, Guatemala City has two million inhabitants. Its location, facilities and services make it the starting point for visits to the rest of Guatemala and the entire Maya world.
K'ICHE CULTURE
Maria Kroll, Erin Lee and Extreme dancers
Church market
Textiles |
Chichicastenango Santo Tomás Chichicastenango, known for its indian market held every Thursday and Sunday, is only 87 miles from Guatemala City. It's the commercial center of the Department of Quiché. Indians from throughout the region stream into town in the market days to buy, sell, socialize and worship. Add the tourists attracted to the market from all over the world, and you have the colorful outdoor spectacle which has made Chichicastenango one of the world's popular tourist destinations. While buyers and sellers bargain for items such as produce, flowers and handicrafts (textiles, ceramics, carvings, basketry, wooden chests and traditional masks), Mayan-Christian rites are practiced by devout Indian on the steps of the Santo Tomás Seńor Sepultado del Calvario churches which face on either end of the market plaza. |
Winifred R.Harris, Balkis Manoukian and Between Lines dancers |
Totonicapán The Department of Totonicapán is due west of Chichicastenango. Its capital, San Miguel, is located 135 miles northwest of Guatemala City. Over 40 textile, wooden toys and pottery factories are located there. The nearby town of Momostenango is a major producer of woolen blankets and the famous Momosteco poncho. The village of San Francisco El Alto also has a number of attractions. Friday is the market day in this village. Other towns of interest in Totonicapán are Andrés Xecul, where the church has a facade that reproduces the design in the huipil worn by the local women, and San Cristóbal, where the church is richly decorated with 17th and 18th century retables. |
Quetzaltenango's Church |
Quetzaltenango Quetzaltenango, Guatemala's second largest city, is 128 miles northwest of Guatemala City. Situated in a large valley surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, this highland city mantains the traditions of its Mayan-Quiché cultural heritage together with its colonial past and dynamic modern life. Two principal Indian towns in the region are Salcajá and Zunil. Salcajá is the main producer of "ikat" (knot-tie dye), and is the site of San Jacinto Church - the first church built in Guatemala. Zunil is famous for its textiles, and Almalonga, across the Samalá River, for its large orchard. |
North Acropolis
Face North Acropolis |
Tikal The city of Tikal is the largest of the ancient Mayan cities in Mesoamerica. It is located in Petén, Guatemala. During the Mayan Era in Mesoamerica, Tikal reached its peak population of about 55,000 people. This peak population is believed to be around AD 700. The city itself contains many different structures inside its boundaries. These structures include numerous resident areas, temples, pyramids, shrines, ball courts, and ceremonial structures. All of these things exist in the boundary of Tikal, which is about 60 square miles. |
Ceramics at the museum |
La Antigua
|
Choreographers Wess Staats and Jeff Wallace visiting Antigua |
While this was part of the Viceroyalty of Mexico, Guatemala functioned separately as a Captain General and included what is now Chiapas, part of Yucatán, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It was the cultural, economic, religious, political and educational center for the entire region until the capital was moved to present day Guatemala City after the damaging earthquakes of 1773. Ironically, this preserved the abandonded capital. Much of the architecture today dates from the 17th and 18th centuries and provides us with a colonial jewel in the Americas.
Antigua is about the same size as it was in colonial times. Cobbled-stone streets and colonial architecture takes us back in time. One of the first planned cities in the New World, its urban design is a traditional Spanish grid -- eight by eight blocks. Here and in nearby areas, there are more than 50 monumental buildings including convents, monasteries, churches, chapels, and much more. The main buildings are located around the Main Square: the Palace of the Captains General, Palace of the City Hall, Archbishop's Palace and Cathedral. The old University of San Carlos now houses the Colonial Art Museum. Many of the colonial houses have also been preserved. A new trend in Antigua blends the old and the new together in a tasteful fashion.
Almost forgotten throughout the 19th century, Antigua was declared a national monument in 1944 and architectural repairs and rebuilding were limited. Many of the monumental buildings had been used as quarries for other buildings up until this time. Special attention was then given to the city. In 1969, Congress passed a Protective Law for La Antigua Guatemala (Decree 60-69) founding the National Council for the Protection for La Antigua Guatemala. Through their efforts much of the city has been saved and much work has been carried out in the conservation and restoration of the historical buildings that give much of the city its colonial character.
Religious activities and celebrations are still the center of the city's cultural activities. Antigua hosts the largest celebrations for Lent and Easter in the Western Hermisphere. With more than 50 different velaciones (holy vigils), processions and other activities, this city truly relives the passion and death of Jesus at this time. While many are attracted to the solemn religious fervor, others enjoy the beautiful sawdust carpets that are made along the procesional routes. If the procession to due to come by one's house, that family prepares an elaborate carpet made out of pine needles, flowers, flower petals and/or dyed sawdust. Some of the designs are religious but most of them are decorate integrating the wide array of flowers that are used. They are truly spectacular. The procession walks over the carpet and then its time to start preparing for next year!
Antigua has truly come to life in the last few years. The late 80's bring an array of cultural activities which include art galleries and exhibits, performing arts center, popular arts, films, forums, and cultural tourism in general. While almost everything revolved around tradition religious activities previously, today there is a new "awakening" in the city. This is due in part to the number of visitors we have today and, also, more than 80 Spanish schools that teach Spanish to foreigners and offer an economic base for part of the city's population.
While visiting Antigua can take you back in time, you can also experience the newness that is part of Guatemalan culture today. Here we see both the old and the new combine into what makes Antigua Today.
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