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The Festival of Light in Antigua Guatemala 2025 is one of the most magical events I’ve ever experienced, and it’s something I look forward to every year. This amazing light festival takes place in July as part of the Fiestas Patronales de Santiago Apóstol, and it transforms Antigua’s historic streets, churches, and parks into glowing works of art. As someone who lives nearby and visits often, I can tell you—there’s nothing quite like seeing the city lit up at night with videomapping shows, light tunnels, and giant glowing butterflies.
From July 8 to 27, Antigua becomes a dreamlike place, with free light installations and cultural activities that are perfect for families, couples, and anyone visiting Guatemala. Some of the best moments happen during the main nights of July 18 and 19, when artists from Guatemala and around the world bring the city to life with laser shows and immersive experiences. This isn’t just one of the best festivals in Antigua Guatemala—it’s also a celebration of Latin American literature, with installations inspired by famous writers like Miguel Ángel Asturias, Gabriel García Márquez, and Juan Rulfo.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler looking for things to do in Antigua Guatemala at night, or even things to do in Antigua Guatemala with kids, this event is an unforgettable way to see the city from a new perspective. It’s one of my favorite family-friendly events in Antigua Guatemala, and I hope you get to experience it too.
What Is the Festival of Light in Antigua Guatemala?
The Festival of Light in Antigua Guatemala 2025 is one of the most magical and family-friendly events in Antigua Guatemala this July. It’s part of the Fiestas Patronales in Antigua Guatemala, a month-long celebration in honor of Santiago Apóstol. But this event stands out on its own—it’s a nighttime experience where art, technology, and culture come together to light up the entire city.
From glowing art installations to videomapping shows on historic churches and plazas, the Festival de Luz Antigua Guatemala transforms Antigua’s colonial heart into a glowing canvas. It’s the kind of event that makes you fall in love with Antigua all over again, whether you’re visiting from abroad or you’ve lived here your whole life like me.
Each year the theme is different, and this year’s focus is one I personally love—magical realism and Latin American literature. Throughout the city, you’ll find light and projection displays inspired by the stories and characters of writers like Miguel Ángel Asturias, Gabriel García Márquez, and Juan Rulfo. The light tells the story—turning buildings, parks, and streets into immersive, walkable storybooks.
What I love most about this Antigua Guatemala cultural festival is how it blends cutting-edge tech with the soul of our traditions. And most of it is totally free! Watching the colonial architecture lit up in this way—it’s breathtaking, even if you’ve walked these streets a hundred times.
To see the full event schedule, check out the official site at www.luzdeantigua.com. And if you want to explore more about all the cultural activities happening in July, including concerts, processions, and more, visit my complete guide to the Fiestas Patronales in Antigua Guatemala.
Events, Schedule, and Highlights of the Festival of Light in Antigua Guatemala 2025
One of the best festivals in Antigua Guatemala this July, the Festival of Light in Antigua Guatemala 2025 will run for nearly three weeks and is packed with amazing things to do at night with family, friends, or even on your own. Most of the events are completely free and perfect for all ages, which is one of the reasons why it’s one of the top family-friendly events in Antigua Guatemala.
Here’s everything you need to know about the calendar and the most exciting activities:
Key Dates for the Festival de Luz Antigua Guatemala
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July 8–27: Light installations across three public parks. You can walk through these illuminated spaces every night from 6:00 p.m. to midnight.
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July 17–20: Luz Inmersiva (Immersive Light Experience) at the Convent of La Merced. Entry is Q100 (children under 10 enter for free).
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July 18–19: These are the main nights of the festival, with massive videomapping shows, laser light displays, and cultural performances from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Top Festival Experiences
Videomapping on Historic Landmarks
One of the most impressive parts of this Antigua Guatemala light festival is the videomapping projected onto some of the city’s most iconic colonial buildings. Animated projections created by national and international artists transform these sites into glowing storybooks.
Featured monuments:
- La Merced Church
- Compañía de Jesús
- Cathedral of San José
- San Francisco Church
- Escuela de Cristo
- Los Remedios Church
These buildings become living canvases that seem to breathe with light.
Literary Light Installations in City Parks
Inspired by Latin American literature and magical realism, each park celebrates a different author and story. This is one of my favorite parts of the festival—it’s like stepping into a book brought to life.
Featured locations:
- Tanque de la Unión: “Hombres de maíz” by Miguel Ángel Asturias
- Parque Belén: “Pedro Páramo” by Juan Rulfo
- Alameda Santa Rosa: “Cien años de soledad” by Gabriel García Márquez
These spaces feel magical at night—perfect for taking photos or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Luz Inmersiva (Q100)
Inside the Convent of La Merced, this immersive art experience uses high-tech projection, laser lights, and surround sound to create a multi-sensory journey. It’s a beautiful way to see the baroque architecture of Antigua in a completely new way.
Tickets are Q100, and kids under 10 get in free—so it’s also a great option if you’re looking for things to do in Antigua Guatemala with kids.
Laser Light Show at Los Remedios
One of the most spectacular shows of the festival, this free laser show takes place at Los Remedios Church. It’s a must-see if you’re visiting Antigua in July.
Continuous Projections
One of the best things about this Guatemalan cultural festival is that you can explore at your own pace. Projections and lights run continuously, so you can stroll through the city and enjoy the experience on your own schedule.
Featured Artists at the Festival de Luz Antigua Guatemala 2025
One of my favorite parts of the Festival de la Luz in Antigua Guatemala 2025 is seeing how artists from all over the world come together to light up the city with color, stories, and imagination. More than 15 artists from Latin America and Europe are participating this year, each adding their own unique style to this Guatemalan cultural festival.
They’ve taken the magic of magical realism and turned it into lights, sound, and movement—right on the walls of Antigua’s most famous churches and monuments.
Artists by Monument
La Merced Church
- Julian Hoelscher (Germany)
- Albane Chaumet (France)
Compañía de Jesús
- Hotaru Visual Guerrilla (Spain)
- Antonio Campollo (Guatemala)
Cathedral of San José
- Daniela Pinto (Guatemala)
- Mauro Díaz (Colombia)
San Francisco Church
- Bianca Turner (Brazil)
- Francisco Sandoval (Guatemala)
Escuela de Cristo
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Winning entry from the Latin American Videomapping Contest
Los Remedios Church
- Félix Michel (France)
- Daniel Sahli (Switzerland)
- Diego Robles (Guatemala)
Luz Inmersiva
- Juan Fernando Solís (Guatemala)
- Francisco Sandoval (Guatemala)
And don’t miss the light sculptures and glowing installations in the city parks. These were created by EEGSA and inspired by famous Latin American authors like Miguel Ángel Asturias and Gabriel García Márquez. If you’re looking for family-friendly events in Antigua Guatemala, these are great places to explore with kids or take amazing nighttime photos.
Luz Inmersiva: A One-of-a-Kind Immersive Light Experience
One of the most talked-about events during the Festival de Luz Antigua Guatemala 2025 is the Luz Inmersiva show, held inside the historic Convent of La Merced. This colonial space becomes a living work of art through immersive projections, cutting-edge technology, videomapping, and laser displays that light up its baroque architecture in the most magical way.
This multisensory experience takes you on a journey through Guatemala’s cultural memory—blending light, stone, and history in real-time. Whether you love art, storytelling, or simply want to experience something unforgettable during your visit, this is a must-see.
Location: Convent of La Merced
Dates: July 17–20
Time: 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Admission: Q100 per person (children under 10 enter free)
This is one of the few Antigua Guatemala July festivals events with a fee, but it’s absolutely worth it. It’s a truly unique and emotional highlight of the Antigua Guatemala light festival—and one of the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala at night.
Tips for Enjoying the Festival de Luz Antigua Guatemala
To make the most of your experience at this incredible Guatemalan cultural festival, here are some practical tips to help you plan ahead.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll be walking between churches, parks, and installations.
- A light raincoat, poncho, or umbrella – July is rainy season in Guatemala.
- A fully charged phone – You’ll want to capture the incredible Antigua Guatemala videomapping and light installations.
- A reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated while you explore.
Safety Tips
While Antigua Guatemala is generally safe for travelers, it’s best to take precautions:
- Leave valuables at home.
- Keep personal items close in crowded areas.
- Keep an eye on kids at all times, especially at night.
- Follow directions from event staff and local authorities.
Accessibility Notes
Most Festival de la Luz activities take place in public spaces and are free to attend. However, not all venues are fully accessible for strollers or wheelchairs due to cobblestone streets and limited ramps. Consider planning your route ahead and focusing on more accessible areas like the main parks.
What to Avoid
- No laser pointers – These interfere with the videomapping shows.
- Don’t park in restricted zones – You might get ticketed or towed.
- Avoid using flash when taking photos – It disrupts the light effects and other visitors’ experience.
- Don’t climb on monuments or installations – Respect the art and historic spaces.
Where to Park During the Festival de Luz Antigua Guatemala
If you’re planning to attend the Festival de Luz in Antigua Guatemala, finding convenient parking is key—especially during peak nights when thousands of people visit for the Antigua Guatemala light festival and cultural events.
Official Parking Lots
To make your visit smoother, several official parking areas will be available near the main festival zones:
- Parqueo Santa Inés
- Parqueo La Pólvora
- Parqueo La Estación de Antigua
- Parqueo Casa Paraíso
- Parqueo Inval
These parking areas are strategically located to give you easy access to the top attractions of the Festival de la Luz , including videomapping shows, light installations, and family-friendly events in Antigua Guatemala. Arrive early to secure a spot—especially during the main nights of July 18 and 19.
Digital Parking Permit (Marbete Digital)
If you prefer to park on public streets during the Festival de Luz Antigua Guatemala, you’ll need to purchase a digital parking permit (marbete digital). This is required during July events in Antigua Guatemala and helps manage traffic during high-attendance festivals.
You can buy your permit through the official municipal website: https://portal.muniantigua.gob.gt/
Transportation Alternatives
To avoid the hassle of parking during the Antigua Guatemala light festival, consider:
- Using shared transportation services like taxis or ride-share apps.
- Staying at a centrally located hotel and walking to the festival zones.
Not only will you skip the traffic, but you’ll also get to enjoy the cultural atmosphere and vibrant nighttime streets at a more relaxed pace.
Why the Festival de Luz in Antigua Guatemala Is a Must-See Experience
Antigua Becomes the Epicenter of Digital Art in Guatemala
The 2025 Festival of Light turns Antigua into a regional hub for digital and immersive art in Latin America. With a powerful blend of colonial heritage and cutting-edge technology, the city’s historic landmarks become the canvas for videomapping, laser shows, and luminous storytelling.
It’s not just one of the best festivals in Antigua Guatemala—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Whether you’re passionate about Guatemalan cultural festivals, digital art, or just looking for unique things to do in Antigua Guatemala at night, this event is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re a local (chapín) or a visitor, the Festival de Luz Antigua Guatemala offers a totally unique way to explore the city. With its free outdoor installations, dazzling lights, and stunning videomapping, it’s one of the most family-friendly events in Antigua Guatemala.
If you’re traveling with children, this is also one of the top things to do in Antigua Guatemala with kids. It’s an inspiring, accessible, and unforgettable way to reconnect with Antigua’s beauty and spirit.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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