Guatemala
Central America
GUATEMALAN CULTURE AND CUSTOMS
TYPICAL MEALS
Breakfast:
Lunch
Dinner
Lunch is eaten around midday and considered the main meal. This meal can consist of soups, stews, meat, rice and beans.
Food is one of the favorite ways people express their culture. Each culture has its own special twist to make food their own. In Guatemala, corn tortillas (called tamalitos) are eaten with almost every meal. Beans and rice are popular side dishes. Other side dishes are greens and fried plátanos (fried bananas). Meats, soups and stews are also popular in a daily diet. Papaya and breadfruit are fruits that are often eaten. A delicious food to try is churrascos, which is beef that is grilled.
FOOD
FOOD ETIQUETTE
After eating, every person thanks the others at the table (Muchas gracias). Everyone replys with Buen provecho which means "good appetite". Asking the host/chef for more food is considered embarrasing if the host/chef dosen't have anymore food but eating a lot is considered a compliment to the chef.
SPANISH
"¿Qué tal?"
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
" How's it going?"
Polite Phrases
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: SPANISH
SPANISH
"Buenos días"
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
"Good Morning"
SPANISH
"Mucho Gusto"
ENGLISH TRANSLATION
"Nice to meet you"
Breakfast usually consists of leftover beans, rice and tortillas
Dinner is usually served after 7 p.m.
It's similar to lunch in the food variety but portions can be larger.
APPROPRIATE IN PUBLIC
Gestures and interactions in Guatemala are very much like they are in America. To beckon someone you move your finger down and inward. To hail a taxi you point your index finger it the air and move it around in a fast circular motion. Couples can show affection in public.
FACTS TO KNOW
A recent warning in 2016 has suggested that all pregnant women postpone their trips to Guatemala due to the zika virus being present in the country. The US Center of Disease Control has issued this warning. to learn more about the zika virus. Remember to take vaccinations to prevent other diseases and talk to your doctor before your visit.
INAPROPRIATE IN PUBLIC
Inappropriate hand gestures are very similar to the inappropriate hand gestures in America. Pointing directly at someone can be considered rude, and their are hand gestures that are vulgar. Avoid swearing when first meeting people because that is just rude and leaves a bad impression.