The municipal ban on the operation of bars and nightclubs during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday in Antigua Guatemala became void this Thursday, March 28, after the Constitutional Court (CC) decreed the provisional suspension of said rule, after the Chamber of Industry of Guatemala (CIG) filed an unconstitutionality appeal, judicial sources reported.
According to the Antigüeña commune, the CC resolution “interrupts the conservation and protection of Holy Week as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” but despite that “the agreement in question will not be applied.”
The CC reported in a statement that this Thursday the Plenary of Magistrates heard the file 1960-2024, “related to the request for Unconstitutionality of a partial general law, requested by the Chamber of Industry of Guatemala, against Article 1 of the Agreement contained in Point Five of Minutes number thirty-seven – two thousand twenty-four (37-2024), which documents the Ordinary Public Session of the Municipal Council of Antigua Guatemala”, which was held last March 19.
In the statement the CC added that “this Court decided to decree the provisional suspension of the aforementioned rule, by virtue of the fact that, in the present case, the assumptions provided for by the law occur.”
Article 1 of said municipal regulation says verbatim that “The closure of bars and nightclubs is ordered for Holy Thursday and Good Friday of the year 2024, in the municipality of Antigua Guatemala.”
According to the municipality of Antigua Guatemala, this provision was implemented to promote an atmosphere of “solemnity and respect” towards the religious traditions that are commemorated in the Colonial City.
This provision was announced by the Municipality of Antigua Guatemala on Wednesday, March 20, through its social networks, in which a call was made to the owners and administrators of said businesses to comply with the provisions.
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The Antigüeña commune issued a statement regarding the CC’s resolution and details that it “interrupts the conservation and protection of Holy Week as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
“We reaffirm our position that this decision interrupts the conservation and protection of Holy Week as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, impedes cultural identity according to its values, traditions and customs and promotes general disorder,” the statement said.
He adds that “the City Council of Antigua Guatemala is a believer and defender of traditions, especially Holy Week, an event that, according to UNESCO, is one of the most notable religious and cultural events in the country, with processions, vigils, marches funerals, seasonal gastronomy and the creation of flower tapestries and altars, with the participation of parishioners, neighbors, tourists, artisans and musicians who stand out in the preparations and celebrations, which gives the event its universal and cohesive character.
“Due to the recent suspension ordered by the Constitutional Court, the agreement in question will not apply. This measure is the result of the ongoing legal process and must be respected in its entirety,” the document adds.
It concludes: “Despite this situation, we want to emphasize the importance of behaving responsibly and respectfully during this season and in relation to local traditions. We urge all people, both locals and visitors, to maintain exemplary behavior and contribute to the well-being of our community.”
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