Chicenas

Though "chicenas" may sound like the Spanish word for "chicken" they are actually quite different. Chicenas are large ant-like bugs that come only once a year and bring much excitement to the Guatemalans. They are announced by a bug that look a little bit like a mayfly that comes out in the evening. Then that night around 4 a.m. the people get up to look for the chicenas that come out of holes in the ground. They are a delicacy and are cooked up on the stove and can be served with lime juice and salt. The kids here at the home also participate in this tradition.

Here is what a chicena looks like alive...


Here are a few of the kids cooking them up on the stove...




And here they are almost ready to eat!


This is a tradition that I (Heather, Norm and Vickie's daughter) have never experienced before, and though I did not try one, it was pretty funny to watch the kids get so excited and cook them up on their own. Mom did not think it quite so funny (gross is a more accurate description of her feelings), so here I am writing the blog so you can choose for yourselves which adjective you want to use.