Cultural Activities
Here are a few of the cultural activities that we offer….
Chocolate Farm
Chocolate and coffee farms are prevalent in Guatemala. Each offers a demonstration on how the commodity is made from the plants to the beans to the finished product. Students are able to taste the result of each step of the process.
Medicinal Garden
This local garden provides a tour for students and a lesson on the various healing properties of the plants heavily relied on in this region. There is also a shop where students can purchase various organic soaps, lotions, and teas derived from the plants.
Tortilla Making
There are many foods that are unique to Guatemala and/or Central America, and students are able to help prepare them using ingredients and techniques that are unfamiliar. Host families have the traditional fire stoves and teach the students how they cook.
Weaving
In Guatemala, weaving is an ancient art. There are local weavers that give a presentation to the students on how the weaving is done as well as how they use natural dyes for their yarn. Students are able to see and touch the cotton seeds, cotton, and yarn, practice weaving, and also dye some yarn.
Salsa Dancing
Salsa dancing is a Latin American dance tradition. A salsa dance instructor in Guatemala will lead a session in which students will be exposed to Spanish salsa music and will be taught the basic steps for salsa dancing.
Typical Food Demonstration
Host families also provide a typical food demonstration. There are many foods that are unique to Guatemala and/or Central America, and students are able to help prepare them using ingredients and techniques that are unfamiliar. Host families have the traditional fire stoves and teach the students how they cook.