Central Park

Urbanization in Guatemala in Colonial times consisted in the distribution of streets and avenues around a park on whose corners where located the Cathedral or main church, the City Hall, a law enforcement building, a commercial centre, and, generally, the building for the local authorities.

Since its origins, parks, particularly in Antigua Guatemala, played an important role for its ornamental feature as well as for its social activity. For such reasons, it was supposed to be as elegant and well built as the buildings that surrounded it.

It has several fountains; the largest one, located in the midpoint, is the Fountain of Sirens, built in 1737.

To rest and be entertained

Among an environment of cordiality and peace, a large number of persons sit on the benches from early hours in the morning until midnight.

There are several reasons: bird watching, chatting with friends, reading, or watching the pedestrians.

The park has preserved its social and recreational purpose. There is always someone having pictures taken with old buildings behind or children playing on the fountain.

The traditional scenery is always present on the corners, since this place is a rendezvous for many couples or friends.

Location in La Antigua Guatemala Click here and go to the interactive map.

Musical evenings and nights

Among the many entertainment activities it provides, it is common nowadays to see groups of young people who share their music inside the park.

Some of them bring drums, others flutes, while others sing accompanied by the traditional guitars. For holidays and special dates there are school bands, musicians, and decorations for the occasion, like on the Christmas season when it is embellished with colourful lights.

The atmosphere is so pleasant that the journey would not be complete without sharing the peace with someone, or the gibberish along its paths.