Guatemala's culture is a unique product of Native American ways and a strong Spanish colonial heritage. About half of Guatemala's population is mestizo (known in Guatemala as ladino), people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry. Ladino culture is dominant in urban areas, and is heavily influenced by European and North American trends. But unlike many Latin American countries, Guatemala still has a large indigenous population, the Maya, that has retained a distinct identity and speak a Mayan language, follow traditional religious and village customs, and continue a rich tradition in textiles and other crafts.

Vincente, Gloria Guatemala Guatemalan Culture Action (ACG), youth and communication worker

Stories

New Beginnings March 28, 2008 Update from ACG August 21, 2006 Coming home.... May 22, 2006 Connection May 22, 2006 Portavoz May 22, 2006 Weeping February 14, 2006 Run for the border January 19, 2006 Presence January 19, 2006 Random act of kindness January 19, 2006 Facing Reality January 19, 2006 A trip to Disneyland... January 19, 2006 Disaster in Guatemala January 19, 2006 Solidarity after Hurricane Stan January 19, 2006 Learning and Serving January 19, 2006 A walk in the mud December 13, 2005 Courage... November 2, 2005 Chimaltenango, Guatemala October 19, 2005 My Friend Juan Carlos October 19, 2005 It was an eventful and demanding month that cultivated a whole garden of writings, musings... October 6, 2005 Staring poverty in the face… August 19, 2005

Partners

Conferencia de Iglesias Evangelicas de Guatemala (CIEDEG) El Foro Ecumenico por la Paz y la Reconciliation (FEPAZ) Guatemalan Cultural Action (ACG) National Coordination of Widows of Guatemala Sinodo Luterano Guatemalteco

Projects -- Giving Opportunities in Guatemala

"Thrifty" Stoves Project Dignity for the Victims of the Internal Armed Conflict FEPAZ – Ecumenical Forum for Peace and Reconciliation Guatemalan Cultural Action Group Micro-credit and Savings Project

Guatemala News

2007 Report INESIN - Institute for Cultural Studies and Research March 31, 2008 Report from the Ecumenical Christian Council of Guatemala (FEPAZ) March 18, 2008 Report from Guatemalan Cultural Action (ACG) March 4, 2008 Free Latin American Church News in English March 28, 2007 Former Missionary Pablo Pitcher Publishes Book February 15, 2007 Lecciones Aprendidas por las Comunidades de Fe en Solidaridad con el Proceso de Paz en Guatemala June 15, 2006 Lessons Learned by U.S. Faith Communities in Solidarity with the Guatemalan Peace Process June 15, 2006 An Easter Morning in Guatemala April 15, 2006 Youth retreat focuses on realities in Guatemala March 16, 2006 World Council of Churches Assembly February 22, 2006 Letter from Churches for Middle East Peace to President Bush on Iran February 22, 2006