Upon arriving in Guatemala, it's the variety of beautiful textiles that draws the most attention. Ceramics is another popular craft. Molded by hand and lacking any kind of glaze, today's pottery resembles the pre-Hispanic relics found at the archaeological sites. Look also for baskets, wooden masks, hammocks, silver and jade. Weekly markets offer fresh produce and livestock plus regional crafts in such centers as Chichicastenango.
Colorful pageantry creates visual delights at fiestas and markets.
The majority of traditional festivals coincide with the Saints' Days of the Catholic calendar, while others date back to pre-Hispanic times. One of the most famous Holy Week celebration stakes place in Antigua.