Feria Departamental de Coban

Feria Departamental de Cobán

View on map
Arts & CultureCoban
DatesDates TBA · Usually AugustCheck locally before booking
DurationAnnualEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsCoban's fair distinguishes itself through
Language["es"]Currency: GTQ
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Feria Departamental de Coban in Coban

Coban's Feria Departamental runs roughly August 1-6 in honor of Santo Domingo de Guzman, the city's patron, with the feast on August 4. Held on the same Talpetate fairground since 1936, it opens with a parade and closes with the paabank return of the patron's image, marimba, deer dance, and a communal meal of tyu sauce.

Coban's Feria Departamental has been held on the same fairgrounds in the Talpetate sector since the first edition in 1936, running each year from roughly August 1 to 6 in honor of Santo Domingo de Guzman, the city's patron saint, whose feast falls on August 4.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Coban's fair distinguishes itself through sheer continuity: the same fairgrounds in the Talpetate sector have hosted it since 1936, and its core rituals, the paabank return of the patron's image, the tyu meal, the deer dance, repeat in largely the same form each year rather than evolving into a performance staged primarily for visitors

02

The mystery stays covered

The selection of Rab'in Ajaw, with its crown blessing and display of traditional dress from communities across Alta Verapaz, is rooted in Q'eqchi' custom and functions as both a civic and cultural marker distinct from, though connected to, the department's separately organized folkloric pageant held later in the year

03

The city starts moving

As the departmental capital, Coban draws vendors and visitors from a wider catchment than a single-town fiesta, giving the fair a regional rather than purely local character

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The paabank ceremony returns the patron's image to the church on August 5

Water and renewal

Living ritual

accompanied by a communal meal of tyu sauce

The sacred route

Living ritual

marimba music

The local code

Living ritual

and the traditional deer dance

Tradition 5

Living ritual

the Rab'in Ajaw selection includes a formal crown-blessing ceremony

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually August

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Layered clothing works well, since Coban's highland climate can turn from warm midday sun to cool, damp evenings quickly; closed shoes are useful at the fairgrounds if rain has softened the...

Safety

Keep photography restrained at Feria Departamental de Coban; give people room and treat community moments as more than scenery.

Where to stay

Choose lodging by the part of Coban you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

["es"] · GTQ

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map15.47 N, 90.37 WOpen in Google Maps

Coban, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

Nearest airportGUA — La Aurora
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaChoose lodging by the part of Coban you will actually use, not only by the cheapest room.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Coban via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Coban, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for August.Compare faresFestival gearLayered clothing works well, since Coban's highland climate can turn from warm midday sun to cool, damp evenings quickly; closed shoes are useful at the fairgrounds if rain has softened the ground.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Guatemala and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Feria Departamental de Coban?

Feria Departamental de Coban is listed for August. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Feria Departamental de Coban take place?

The festival is listed in Coban, Guatemala. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Annual is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Coban, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually August
Source statusNeeds editorial review
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Buenos Aires International Book Fair

Past edition: 23 April–11 May 2026

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Photo pending

Cairo International Book Fair

Past edition: 21 January–3 February 2026

Cairo, Egypt
Photo pending

Pageant of the Masters

Not represented as one continuous festival occurrence

Laguna Beach, United States
Photo pending

Annecy International Animation Film Festival

Past edition: 8–14 June 2025

Annecy, France

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →