Little Guatemala plans new park and Independence Day celebration

A family-owned business known as Little Guatemala, located at 810 E. Union St.,  has become a treasure to Morganton residents, helping to bridge cultural gaps between Guatemalans and Americans. 

Owners Christian and Erica Ramazzini plan to continue their efforts to connect cultures by adding a new Guatemalan park behind the restaurant with the help of the local community.

Little Guatemala was opened by the Ramazzinis in 2021. The couple met and married in Guatemala. Born and raised in different countries, the couple encountered hurdles navigating the merging of their cultures when moving to a new town.

Christian and Erica were eventually able to connect with the ever-growing Guatemalan community in Morganton and overcome these cultural challenges in their marriage.

“We thought this little micro version of what we do in our marriage could be something that's really beneficial for the town,” Erica said. 

Little Guatemala was opened with the goal of bridging these cultural gaps existing in Morganton. The business operates as a  restaurant, soccer complex, coffee shop, and craft store.

Since it opened its doors to the public, Little Guatemala has become a cultural hub for Morganton residents to celebrate Guatemalan culture.

Community Connections

Now, the Ramazzinis feel it is time to expand their business to further facilitate these connections and to experience Guatemalan culture in ways the town has never had access to before.

The new addition will look and function like an authentic Guatemalan park – with a large fountain, brick pavers, flowers, and a soccer field. It will also serve as a space to host cultural events, soccer games, children’s activities, and large markets with local Guatemalan vendors. 

“Parks are really important in Guatemala,” Erica said. “It is the place where the town gathers to do business, hang out, and have their big celebrations.”

These are all things that Christian has experienced himself while living in Guatemala, from the bustling Central Park in Guatemala City to small town parks with no running water or electricity. 

“They would stay there until there was no light out and everyone would go home,” Erica said. “Anywhere Christian has lived in Guatemala, the parks have been central to everything.”

Christian and Erica plan on kicking off their first event in the park by celebrating Guatemalan Independence Day on Friday, Sept. 15,  and Saturday, Sept. 16. 

“Guatefest '' will be hosted at Little Guatemala and will include  food vendors, artisan goods, and live music. The event is being planned and carried out by a group of local Guatemalan volunteers alongside the Ramazzinis.

They plan to raise funds and rally support from the Morganton community through their Brick Campaign. Donors can purchase a brick that will be engraved with their name, organization, or loved ones and placed on a walking path that winds throughout the park.

“It is a symbolic thing, too,” Erica said. “It shows the community coming together, making a nice foundation for cultural growth.”

Donations may be made by buying a $100 4-by-8-inch brick or a $300 for 12-by-12-inch brick. To learn more or purchase a brick, visit https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/littleguatemala.