Guatemala’s political and socioeconomic history is closely tied to its movie history. Between 1960 and 1996 the Guatemalan Civil War put paid to its artistic sector and few films were made. But with peace in the mid to late 90s came a recovery for the Guatemalan film industry. Filmmakers and writers have created some of the greatest Guatemalan films since […]
Guatemala is a true melting pot of cultures, history and influences. So much so in fact that it’s not possible to talk about a single Guatemalan culture. First-time visitors to this beautiful country will see plenty of evidence of Mayan, Mexican and Spanish culture. They all work together to shape 21st century Guatemala in different ways. With so much to […]
One of the most interesting countries you can visit, Guatemala has a rich cultural history. Home to the ancient Maya civilization, which reached its peak between 250AD and 900AD, the history of Guatemala has many twists and turns. The Mayan civilisation was already declining from its heady heights when the Europeans landed in the 14th century. And when the Spanish […]
COVID-19 is hitting Guatemala at every level, from the Government and cabinet to the rural population. On 20 September 2020, President Alejandro Giammattei announced he tested positive with COVID-19. The Government continues to work, according to the President, and it appears he is now recovering. Jürg Widmer Probst Guatemala special feature: a COVID-19 update President Giammattei announced his diagnosis to […]
Guatemala is open to tourists again, although there are lots of COVID-19 restrictions in place. In this blog we’re going to look at an unforgettable trek to the Mayan ruins of El Mirador. Whether you go for it this year or next, El Mirador should absolutely be on your bucket list of travel destinations. But first we’ll give a […]
Climate change is now affecting all of us around the world in one way or another. From the vast Australian bushfires at the start of the year to the Californian bushfires happening now, it’s no longer possible to look away. Guatemala is home to huge swathes of vital rainforest and precious resources. The need to protect this as much as […]
Guatemala is consistently ranked as one of the most vulnerable countries in the world when it comes to the affect of climate change. The Global Climate Risk Index consistently puts the nation in the top 10 of countries at an extremely high risk of exposure to extreme events. Increased rainfall during the wet season combined with extremely severe, lengthy […]
This month’s Jürg Widmer Probst Guatemala blog moves away from the beauty and fascination of this country with a focus on COVID-19. Global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is actively helping the health system in Guatemala, according to the UK Government. British Ambassador Nick Whittingham says that the company is donating quick COVID-19 tests and personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies to the […]
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