Christmas in Tecojate + Guatemala city, Guatemala

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Tecojate + Guatemala city

How long have you lived there?

soon i hope

How will be you spending the holiday season this year? Describe the current COVID-19 situation in your area and how you will be celebrating this year.

this is what I experienced on Christmas day 2019 and this past New Year's day2020. I was staying in Tecojate, on the beachside, and wanting to go the Nueva Concepcion to use a ATM, but wasn't sure what to expect so far as buses going to and from Tecojate. But I took the ferry across the lagoon to the mainland, on a lark. Whoa! WOW! Not only were buses running but hundreds of people from nearby were coming, in pickup trucks and motos, to spend the day at the beach. Vendors were set up and the place was rocking. I did get to the ATM no problem. Flash forward one week, and I'm in G.C. New Year's day and the city was deserted ! I was staying in Zona 1 so I walked to Av.6 and then to the Parque Central and I was amazed that there were virtually no one around. Newspaper vendors were absent as were walkers/exercisers, and seemingly everyone. What a contrast! the little beach village was teeming with people and the big city, the capitol, was basically empty.

If you have suggestions or ideas for other expats to help them this holiday season, please share your ideas.

Enjoy life while you have it !!