Assumption of Mary Day in Guatemala

This day (Día de la Virgen de la Asunción) is a big celebration in city of Guatemala, the state capital. A Virgin Mary is a patroness of the city since the time of its formation, even its full name – Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción – testifies it. 

Since colonial times, namely 1804, when it was firstly celebrated, on 15^th of August the city holds celebrations devoted to the patroness of Guatemalans. In honor of the "feast of Mary", as also the day is known, from 13^th to 15^th of August in Zone 2 the Festival and Fair is carried, the largest in the country.

The residents of the capital with their families and friends, many tourists come to the fair to taste the local delicacies, to play the lottery and other games, to buy souvenirs and the goods of local craftsmen. The attractions are set for children and adults – from playing machines and shooting gallery to a small Ferris wheel. And all this fun is accompanied by performances of musicians.

The part of the celebration is the procession with the icon of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, richly decorated with paintings of flowers and colored sawdust and accompanied by explosions of firecrackers and fireworks.