Best time to go to Guatemala

Quema del Diablo or Burning the Devil 2024

As the clock strikes 6, the townspeople of Guatemala City leave their homes to set the devil on fire

Dates: December 7

Quema del Diablo or Burning the Devil
Quema del Diablo or Burning the Devil
Quema del Diablo or Burning the Devil

Interested in seeing Guatemalans burn the devil? This spectacle is guaranteed providing that you come to Guatemala on the 7th of December, in particular to Guatemala City, where every other household organizes the show in front of their houses. This tradition dates back to colonial times when all special occasions were marked with bonfires.

Such a custom is particularly vivid in the capital city as it celebrates its patron saint during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. You might be wondering about the devil's appearance—calm down, Satan will not be there in person, but rather in the form of heaps of rubbish and unnecessary things. The show starts precisely​ at 6 p.m., so make sure to arrive before the inception.

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Last updated:
Authors: Olha Savych