CHAPINADAS

With its French architecture of the XIX century, the Municipal Theatre of Huehuetenango was finished in 1914.  It is one of the few cultural legacies left in Huehuetenango.  It was constructed in between two schools and that is way it has been always known as a School Theatre.  For the design of this theatre, Jorge Estrada Cabrera, who was the president at the time, asked his French Embasador for designs and pictures of French Art. This theatre has capacity for 500 people in three different areas.  This theatre has a lot of history because in its premises have appeared a great number of national figures.  Paco Perez, author of Luna de Xelaju appeared when he was 10 years old.  During the 70’s the theatre fall in desrepair but during the 80’s was restored.

The Guatemalan Institute of Turism is expecting an estimated 65000 turists during the month of August in Tikal, Antigua Guatemala, Panajachel and the different Recreational centers for the government employees.  People in the turism industry have been making preparations for the past 3 weeks to have these places ready.  The main reason for this increase in turism for this month is due to the fact that in Europe, the holidays for the middle of the year are starting.  Peten, also offers other places to visit such as Yaxha, Uaxactun, Aguacateca, El Ceibal and Dos Pilas. 

In the Peten region, it is expected that the month of august will generate around 10 million in the turism industry.  According to people in the hotel industry, around 80 percent of the spaces are reserved.  Peten authorities have an strategic plan of security for the region to protect the turists.

In Antigua Guatemala, the turism industry is also expecting many visitors.  In the first 15 days of august there is always an increase in the demand for available spaces in the hotels. 

Of the 65000 turists expected, it is estimated that 20000 will come for Europe, 24000 from other latin countries and 21000 guatemalan residing outside Guatemala.