Friday, June 24, 2016

Antigua, Guatemala: Parque Central


View of Central Park from Cafe Barista, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.


Parque Central. Also known as Central Park.



View of Central Park from rooftop terrace of a cafe, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.



It's not the only public gathering place in town, but it's the main one. It's got the classic plaza arrangement in which the church, city hall, courthouse, and market anchor each side of the square.

View of Central Park from within the Cathedral, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.



Central Park is bound by the:
  • Cathedral
  • Palace of the Captains
  • City Hall
  • A line of cafes

Within Cathedral on Central Park, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.



Most days, I cut through or around Central Park on my way to Spanish class.




View of Central Park from rooftop terrace of a cafe, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.


Early in the mornings, men sweep the plaza. I liked hearing the sound of the brooms and the birds, like in the video below:




On many evenings, there's music. Often on the veranda of the Palace of Governors. Other times, on a stage in front of city hall.  A few dancers.


Music and dancing in front of Palace of Governors, Central Park, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.

Music and dancing in front of Palace of Governors, Central Park, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.

Music and dancing in front of Palace of Governors, Central Park, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.

Music and dancing in front of Palace of Governors, Central Park, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.

The Cathedral is imposing.


Behind the Cathedral on Central Park, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.


Within Cathedral on Central Park, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016


Within Cathedral on Central Park, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016

There is, of course, the mermaid fountain.

Omnipresent on the plaza are women and girls selling textiles and other items to domestic and international tourists. The women and girls wear traditional dress. Some men sell tourist items, as well.

View of Central Park from rooftop terrace of a cafe, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.


There are vendors who sell nuts and other festival-type foodstuffs.

In early, early mornings, you might encounter inebriated local folks, solo. A little later, but still early, you see individuals sitting on benches, often alone, sometimes in pairs, part of their daily routine, taking in some fresh air, enjoying the beauty of the park and the people-watching as the town wakes up.

There are people who sleep on the park perimeter. Some of the vendors, who come in for part of each week from their villages.


View of Central Park from rooftop terrace of a cafe, Antigua, Guatemala. April 2016.



No comments: