Customs and customs in Guatemala
in Guatemala, where the culture of Maya and Spanish colonists was deeply influenced. Many clothing and food are still made in traditional Mayan methods, and many Mayan ruins exist. Moreover, Guatemala, the capital of Guatemala, has many historical relics and scenic spots, such as the famous Basilica of St. Jaime in the Spanish era, the ancient Mayan building Caminarhuyu site, etc. The Mayan ruins are a famous tourist attraction in the area and are known as the "cradle of Mayan culture." Lake Atitlan is located southwest of the capital, Guatemala City. It is considered to be "the most beautiful volcanic lake in the world today."
1. People in Guatemala are accustomed to calling each other by their names. Most people ask each other to call each other by their names the second time they meet after being introduced by a friend. If they call colleagues or close friends by their surnames, they will often be corrected immediately. To show respect for men, Don is often added to their names, such as Don Pedro, and Dona, such as Dona Maria, for women.
2. When people meet each other, they naturally shake hands when they first meet. When friends meet, men still mainly shake hands. To show extra enthusiasm, they also perform a hug ceremony and pat each other on the shoulders and back; between women and men, close friends kiss each other on the cheek, and it is customary to only focus on the right cheek. Kissing both cheeks is influenced by European style and can be seen occasionally.
3. Wear suits when attending formal banquets or receptions. Since Guatemala is like spring all year round, the seasonality and color of suits are rarely paid attention to. On the contrary, foreigners from Europe and the United States still maintain the habit of wearing dark suits at dinners. The first formal banquet is the pre-dinner time, and locals are accustomed to procrastinating and often start half an hour to an hour later than the invitation on the post. Therefore, if you attend a dinner party, it is best to eat first at the hotel or at home. Otherwise, the travel time difference and the main meal of the dinner party will be served from about 9:30 to 11:00.
4. When visiting a home in Guatemala, you can give small gifts or flowers. For official work-related gatherings, it is still advisable to wear a suit. It is a good habit for Guatemala people to ask for the reason for the invitation and wear a suit or casual dress before accepting an invitation. This is a good habit to avoid impolite manners. Pay attention to the choice of packaging paper when giving gifts. Use packaging paper of different colors for different occasions. It is best for people who are new to Guatemala to consult others before purchasing.
5. If possible, you can call before leaving for any appointment to check if the other person is present. Guatemala people are accustomed to being late. If you make an appointment on time, you sometimes wait an hour, which is very uneconomical.
6. Guatemalans are happy and have the general character of the Latin nation. Generally speaking, their love for life far exceeds their enthusiasm for work. They are passionate but not too important for credibility. When they go to public agencies to do business, the answers they get every day may be a series of "tomorrows". Some domestic manufacturers visit Guatemala with deep feelings, saying that they often feel that the procedures are inaccessible. Sometimes they can't even consult two units, and the laws and regulations are not clear enough, which often makes many investors hesitate.
7. Guatemala people will set off firecrackers to celebrate personal birthdays or important festivals and holidays in the morning and evening.