Mazatenango, Suchitepéquez

Mazatenango
Municipality
Mazatenango Location in Guatemala
Coordinates: 14°32′N 91°30′W
Country	Guatemala
Department	Suchitepéquez
Government
• Mayor	Manuel Delgado
Area
• Municipality	86 sq mi (223 km2)
Elevation	1,227 ft (374 m)
Population  (2018 census)
• Municipality	77,431
• Density	900/sq mi (350/km2)
• Urban	77,431
Climate	Am

Mazatenango is a city with a population of 77,431 (as of 2018), and a municipality in the Suchitepéquez department of Guatemala. It is the capital of Suchitepéquez department and is located 165km from Guatemala City.

It lies significantly lower in elevation than Guatemala City or Quetzaltenango. It sits on the coastal plain leading to the Pacific Ocean. The climate is hotter and more humid than that of the other cities in the higher elevations.

Carnival

During the month of February, Mazatenango holds its eight-day Carnival Feast, with food, music, parades and games. One Guatemalan website states: "To mention the carnival of Mazatenango is to bring to mind moments of a happy and cordial party. In the eight days of this celebration's duration the local residents have kept alive the traditions of the Department." It's held from February 4 at night to February 12.

Arts and crafts

Mazatenango is a major producer of gold, silver, tile, fabric, and furniture. It is a major commercial centre for the economy. This region provides many of the products tourists buy at the markets. Goods are shipped to other cities via the Pacific Coast Highway which runs through the city.

Sports

Mazatenango is home to Guatemala's top division football side CD Suchitepéquez. The players play at the Estadio Carlos Salazar Hijo in the Santa Cristina neighbourhood.

Language

Mazatenango speaks Spanish and Kich’e.