Editing Antigua Guatemala (section)

== Antigua Guatemala in the 21st century ==
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[[File:Guatemala 176.jpg|thumb|[[Antigua Guatemala Cathedral|San José Parish]] in the former Metropolitan Cathedral of Santiago.]]

Central Park – Parque Central – is the heart of the city, with the reconstructed fountain there acting as a popular gathering spot. To the north of the Central Park is the Arco de Santa Catalina, one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks of Antigua.

La Antigua is noted for its very elaborate religious celebrations during [[Lent]] ([[Cuaresma]]), leading up to [[Holy Week]] (''Semana Santa'') and [[Easter]] (''Pascua''). Each Sunday during Lent, one of the local [[parish]]es sponsors a [[Procession]] through the streets of Antigua. Elaborate and artistic carpets, predominantly made of dyed sawdust, flowers, pine needles, and even fruits and vegetables, adorn the processions' paths. {{citation needed|date=July 2015}}

Due to its popularity among tourists and its very well-developed tourism infrastructure, Antigua Guatemala is often used as a central location from which to visit other tourist areas in Guatemala and Central America. Cruise ships that dock at Guatemalan ports offer trips to Antigua from both the Pacific and Atlantic. Antigua also holds a sizeable retirement community of expatriates from the US and Europe. {{citation needed|date=July 2015}}