Guatemala, the heart of the Mayan world, is a modern country that weaves indigenous history with natural wonders and contemporary highlights.

And it is this nation, best known for its ancient Mayan ruins, lush rainforests and architecturally impressive colonial cities, that has a beautiful and cheerful way they celebrate the holiday season, which is a treasured and festivity-packed time for Guatemalans.

The festive season is commemorated by several important religious ceremonies and authentic cultural celebrations, including "La Quema del Diablo/The Burning of the Devil," which transpires on Dec. 7, an event that takes place in several cities. A Christ-like wooden statue with heavy, red wings and a cigarette held between its teeth and horns is placed in the center of town. The statute is then set on fire, burning away the bad before the New Year.

"Danza de los 24 Diablos/Dance of the 24 Devils" takes place on the 8th of the month, a historical event based on the Spanish conquistador's charge to evangelize indigenous Indians. Actors portray devils, dress in fiery-red outfits, and the evening ends with cheerful dancing. On the same day, "El Día de la Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción/The Virgin of Immaculate Conception" takes place. The Virgin Mary statue is lifted and carried throughout the town. Music and adornments fill the streets and the fiesta ends at the town's local church.

Guatemala City hosts an event on the 12th, which is inspired by "Virgen de Guadalupe." Traditional Guatemalan food and music, fireworks and Mariachis mark the festivities. From Dec. 13 - 21, "Día de Santo Tomás/Saint Tomás Day" is distinguished by an elaborate outdoor market, and hours of Christian and native food, music and dance. The final day is filled with fireworks and men swing from a pole, "palo volador" or pole of bravery.

"Solsticio de Invierno en Uaxactun" is held on the shortest day of year, Dec. 21. It's a day where locals view the sunrise from the top of the ancient Mayan observatory called E-7-Sub in Uaxactun, a sacred place located in the Mayan lowlands.

Christmas Eve celebrations begin at midnight, and music, fireworks and whistles penetrate the night air. Those festivities bleed into Christmas Day, and conclude at noon. By that time, families gather in their homes to build nativity scenes arranged on colorfully dyed sawdust and devour traditional holiday cuisine. Street vendors and restaurants also offer Christmas tamales made of pork, chicken, duck or turkey; a traditional drink called "ponche de fruitas," a hot drink made of fruits, like papaya, pineapple, apples, and bananas; and "gallina rellena," a stuffing-like dish made of vegetables, ground beef, corn and pork, often stuffed into a chicken. Special sweet cakes with raisins baked and hot chocolate are also commonly enjoyed.

Those who choose to spend the holidays on Guatemala's Caribbean coast are privy to the traditional "Danzas Folklóricas Garifunas/Folkloric Dances of the Garifuna." "Punta," marvelous music that's derived from descendants of West and Central Africa, the Garifuna population, is played throughout the span of Dec. 28 - 31.

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