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Edition Date: 18 Oct. 2003

The American Legion Department of Mexico

Serving America's Veterans
in
Mexico and Central America

Year 2004 Convention

Antigua

Guatemala

The Department Convention is scheduled for June 10, 11 and 12, 2004, in Antigua, Guatemala. Commander Walker distributed packets for each Post and those not attending will have them mailed with the minutes. Post 2 Commander Bill Shetz in Antigua is setting up rooms ranging from $10 per night for participants. Cheaper rates can also be obtained for those who wish to pay less. The Post intends to waive all delegate registration fees and many of the activities will be funded by community support contributions and donations. The Post intends to have airport pick-up in Guatemala City with a $5 USD cost for the half hour trip by vehicle to Antigua. Those coming in need to let the Post know dates, flight numbers and times so someone can be there to meet you.

Tours are also planned to local points of interest as well as to Lake Tecal and nearby volcanoes. In the packet there are 16 locations in town mentioned that are indicated on the enclosed map. Antigua is basically nine blocks square so easy to walk most places without transportation difficulties.

POINTS OF INTEREST IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA:
A. OLD WEAPONS MUSEUM: Weapons displayed that were used by the Spaniards and indigenous people during the time of conquest.

B. ANTIQUE BOOKS MUSEUM: Replica of the first printing press in Guatemala displayed which was first used in 1660.

C. COLONIAL ART MUSEUM: Located in the building which housed the San Carlos University during the Colonial Period. Paintings and sculptures of that era are displayed.

D. CATHEDRAL CHURCH: St. Joseph's Cathedral, restored in 1680, gives a glimpse of the beauty it once contained. According to some historians the remains of the conquistador of Guatemala, Don Pedro de Alvarado who came to the "New World" with Hernan Cortez, is in one of the crypts.

E. SANTA CLARA CONVENT: Originally founded in 1699 by a group of nuns from the Mexican city of Puebla, between Veracruz and Mexico City, it is known as the Monjas Clarisas.

F. SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH & CONVENT: The tomb of the Saint Hermano Pedro de San José de Betancur is located here. He was a Franciscan friar who, in the late seventeenth century, was known for his great charity and love for the poor. His resting place has become an important destination for pilgrimages in Central America.

G. CAPUCHINAS CONVENT: This was the last Convent of nuns founded in the city. One of the main attractions is the Del Retiro Tower which was built in a circular shape with 18 rooms or cells.

H. LA MERCED CHURCH & CONVENT: Site of an exquisite baroque-styled facade that shows an extraordinary stuccoed finishing. In the Convent's courtyard stands one of the biggest and most beautiful fountains in the city.

I. SAN JERONIMO CLOISTER: Finished in 1759, this building was used partially as the Spanish Royal Customs Office.

J. LOCAL MARKET: The busiest days are Monday, Thursday and Saturday when outlying locals bring in a wide selection of fresh fruits & vegetables. Also sold are colorful typical costumes worn by the indigenous people in the surrounding villages. The huipal is one of the most colorful blouses that many tourists like to buy as they are beautifully and elaborately embroidered.

K. HANDICRAFT MARKET: This marketplace offers crafts made by local artisans in and around Antigua.

L. CASA K'OJOM (MUSIC MUSEUM): This unique museum exhibits samples of musical instruments of the pre-Colonial era.

M. POPENOE HOUSE: 17th Century colonial house & museum...open 2-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday only.

N. HOUSE OF THE ANTIQUE COSTUME: Offers a wide selection of typical costumes from different regions of Guatemala.

O. SANTO DOMINGO CHURCH & CONVENT: An important historic fact was the initiative of this religious order to promote the founding of a University in the city. They ceded part of their land for this purpose; the Santo Tomás de Aquino College was built on the donated land. At present it is used as a Colonial hotel & a cultural center.

P. LA RECOLECCION CONVENT: This beautiful Colonial monument was finished in 1715 and is now in ruins. It housed the religious order of the "Frailes Recoletos."

The Spanish conquistadores custom was to build a church on any site where they tore down what they referred to as a pagan temple used before they arrived by the Indians. There are more than 30 churches in Antigua.

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