Greetings from Antigua….wish you were here!
Photo taken in Antigua, Guatemala March 2012.
Many Spanish festivals include costumed figures known as gigantes y cabezudos, roughly, “Giants and Big-Heads”. The main feature of these figures is typically their papier macho head; bodies are covered in clothing matching the costume’s theme. (Wikipedia).
I saw my first colorful, festive gigantes in Antigua standing calmly in the sun outside a church. Their gorgeous colors reflected the brilliantly, colorful time of year, Semana Santa. Gigantes are used throughout Guatemala during festivals and celebrations and the tradition dates back to the Spanish.
the thirdeyeworld 
Nicole, a person stands inside each one and they dance in the streets in big groups to the sound of marimba! It’s fun to watch!!!
Amazing! I remember your post on that. Was this performed during Semana Santa?
No, Semana Santa is really solemn. The gigantes are for happier festivals!
Ciao Nicole,
I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! Keep the pics and adventures coming!
http://laavventura.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/fourth-times-a-charm-the-versatile-blogger-award/#more-3421
Wow, thank you Jennifer! You are so thoughtful! I have done this before too yet will try to think of a way to do it again (I have never done it on this blog though). Give me a few days!!! 🙂