Plaza de la Constitution, Guatemala City

The central square in Guatemala City is variously known as Parque Central (Central Park) and/or Plaza Mayor (the Main Plaza.) Officially it is named Plaza de la Constitution. This is the heart of the infamous Zone One, reputed to be the most dangerous part of the city. However, it is also one of the most attractive areas for visitors since many of Guatemala City's most notable features, such as the Cathedral, museums, National Palace, and National Library, surround the Plaza.

The Plaza is always a center of activity, but especially so on Sundays. I was fortunate to be there in a Sunday afternoon, when thousands of local residents were gathered to stroll, gossip, buy, sell, dance, sing, neck, preach and play. Most of the Plaza is an open paved area, suitable for military parades and the like. There are also splashing fountains where children play and quieter shaded areas, where young lovers seem to occupy every bench.

The centerpiece of Plaza Mayor de la Constitution is the Plaza Mayor Fountain. The first fountain to be placed on this spot was in 1789. The current fountain, designed by the sculptor Rudolpho Galeotti Torres, was erected in the park in 1943.This large, sparkling water feature is a fitting hub for the circus of activity which engulfs the plaza, especially on Sundays and holidays.