Guatemala, Happy Independence Day!!

Today, Guatemala celebrates it's independence!  The freedom came on September 15, 1821 from Spain.

The activities started yesterday and continue through today.  The streets were blocked with traffic and parades.  The parades marched through the streets and finished at the soccer field.  Many schools were represented and many departments of Guatemala.................each group had a different theme and music.  This group was singing a popular Guatemalan song, including hand motions.

So, how do you decorate a truck for a parade?

Any way you can!!   Each truck carried a generator and a speaker system.  Remember, we like our music LOUD here in Guatemala!

This truck was covered with mini-pineapples.  It was hard not to snatch one off!

This school included a group of professions.

Here is the medical group........nurse, anesthetist and doctor.

This group was doing acrobatics. When their leader blew the whistle, they stopped, made their formation and waited until the whistle was blown again.

This group was very creative!  Their dresses and umbrellas  were made out of Doritos, Lays, Tortrix and Nacho bags!

Too bad they can not find a way to re-cycle more of the trash here.

If there was a prize for the most energetic person, this guy would be the winner!  His group had paired-off and were dancing.  He decided to go solo.........he was dipping and waving his hat to the audience while kicking up his heels!  He would wave his lasso to the crowds until he finally ran out of gas!

This group of youngsters were carrying their cars.  When the leader would blow the whistle, they would stop and construct their cars.

I can read these kids minds......."If I hear that whistle one more time..........If I have to put this car up again for one more parent........."     They were NOT excited at all!

FINALLY........................I can sit down and drink something!!

The more I hung out in the soccer field, the more venders congregated!  They were selling ice cream, cokes, chips, cotton candy.......and the air began to smell of fried chicken and fish.

It was time for lunch, so I found a tent that was cooking chicken.  A plate included........chicken, rice, french fries, salad, tortillas and a Coke for    $3.00!! 

I am already looking forward to September 15, 2013!!!