Where to Party at Lake Atitlan during Semana Santa

San Pedro and the rest of the lake is filled with travelers from Guatemala as well as from around the world, all here to celebrate Semana Santa. Look for parades, bands and “flower carpets” in the main part of town, such as el centro (up the hill) in San Pedro.

Across the lake, Circus Bar, Cafe Atlantis and Restaurante Casablanca have Semana Santa specials, with live entertainment at Circus Bar and Atlantis.

Parties, Bands, DJs in San Pedro

Lots of parties, too. Tonight there’s live music at Zoola and Alegre Pub. El Barrio Bar’s “Fiesta Latina” kicks off with a band tonight and features live music or a DJ through the rest of the week. Lots of action at the new Paul’s Gaff, too.

In the zona viva, people are partying in the street from noon until late. For something different, grab a liter of draft Gallo beer in front of Johanna’s Mini-Mercado.

If you are here for Easter Sunday, head over to Smokin’ Joes’ BBQ at the pool on the way to the Santiago dock.

New Year’s Eve Party and Pub Quiz at El Barrio Bar in San Pedro

Tomorrow marks the first time in history that El Barrio’s weekly Pub Quiz (Wednesdays) falls on New Year’s Eve. There will be lots of Q10 food specials, drink discounts at the party that follows the 7 PM Pub Quiz. Wednesdays is also Pizza Night at El Barrio.

Free Beer on New Year’s Eve at Alegre Pub at Lake Atitlan

Celebrate New Year’s Eve UK time (6 PM in Guatemala) at Alegre Pub in San Pedro la Laguna, and get a free beer after Big Ben rings in 2015. The dinner special is Steak and Ale Pie, but order in advance to be sure you get one.

Other big New Year’s Eve  parties in San Pedro will be at Hostel Fe, El Barrio Bar, Hotel Mikaso and Hostel Zoola. Best idea is to hit them all and stay for midnight Guatemala time at your favorite.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Lake Atitlan

The top Thanksgiving dinner in San Pedro is at Cafe la Puerta on November 27 at 1 PM. Full traditional menu for Q150, reservations recommended. Call 5284-2406 or drop by the restaurant on 7th Avenue.

In San Marcos, El Dragon Hotel will serve Thanksgiving dinner from 5-9 PM for Q50.

Scottish Independence Vote Day Party at Alegre Pub in San Pedro, Lake Atitlan

Alegre’s Pub has all-Scottish food, films and drink specials to celebrate the vote on Scotland’s independence. That’s this Thursday, September 18.

Guatemala Independence Day Fiesta — The Main Event is September 15.

Whenever you hear the local high school marching bands practicing day and night anywhere in Central America or Mexico, you know a big holiday is coming soon. Right now, everyone is gearing up for the September 15 fiesta to celebrate Guatemala’s birthday all over the country.

September 15th is also the birthday of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua, which all declared independence from the Kingdom of Spain in 1821. The nations of Central America were initially a union called the Federation (or United States) of Central America.

The San Pedro la Laguna Festival of 2014

Everyone’s getting revved up for the Feria de San Pedro at #LakeAtitlan. They’re setting up booths in the streets today and the rides are on the way. I’ll update this post with details and specific dates for the festival. Until then, see Lake Atitlan for more info on things to do here.

Cinco de Mayo Day in San Pedro la Laguna and Panajachel

The traditional Santa Claus piñata will be the star of the show at today’s Cinco de Mayo party at The Deep End Bar and Pool in San Pedro la Laguna, Lake Atitlan. Alegre Pub hosts a Cinco de Mayo party tonight, with Q5 tequila shots and Mexican beer specials.

In Panajachel, the places to party are Cafe Atlantis and Circus Bar.

Cinco de Mayo (which means “fifth of May”) is celebrated across the top half of Central America, even though it is a Mexican holiday. It recalls the day that Mexican troops defeated Napoleon’s French soldiers in the Battle of Puebla.

For more Guatemala vacation information, see Lake Atitlan Party and Travel News.

St. Patrick’s Day Parties at Lake Atitlan

Green, green, green from one side of Lake Atitlan to the other, this St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), when the top place to party in San Pedro la Laguna will be The Clover Restaurant on 7th Avenue. The Clover is the only Irish tavern at the lake, so arrive early and party late.

On the way, get warmed up for the festivities at El Barrio Bar, Naked Sushi, Hostel Zoola, Hotel Mikaso and Casa Atitlan on the East Side, and Alegre Pub, Bar Fe and Fifth Dimension in the zona viva. Early birds: best daytime bar action will be at The Deep End Bar and Pool, The Blue Parrot Bar and Grill and Alegre Pub.

In Panajachel, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Circus Bar and Cafe Atlantis. Like most places, they will have live music or DJs. IslaVerde — “green island” — is the place to go in Santa Cruz, while the folks in Santiago will be at Cafe Quila’s and Posada de Santiago.

More New Year´s Eve Parties in San Pedro la Laguna

Add Bar Sublime and The Clover to the list of New Year´s Eve Parties in San Pedro la Laguna, along with Alegre Pub and El Barrio Bar. See San Pedro News for more info.