Dear family and friends,
There are no words to truly capture the joy we feel as we prepare to celebrate our son Joey's bar mitzvah surrounded by the people we love most, in one of the most magical places on earth: Antigua, Guatemala.
That you would travel from so far to be with us means everything to our family. This weekend in February will be so much more than a celebration — it will be a time to be together, to wander cobblestone streets steeped in history, to share the table, and to make memories that will stay with us always.
On this page you'll find everything you need to know: the full weekend program, where to stay, how to get here, what to see and do in Antigua, and all the practical details to make your trip a wonderful one.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this milestone for our family.
Our main celebrations run Thursday, February 18 through Saturday, February 20, 2027 — part of a full long weekend from the 17th to the 21st for anyone who'd like to stay and explore. Both Friday and Saturday leave the daytime free to enjoy the city.
Joey will be called to the Torah at Villa Bokeh, just outside Antigua. Shuttles will leave from the hotel — time to be announced.
Dress code · Cocktail AttireImmediately following the ceremony, join us on-site at Villa Bokeh for a festive brunch to celebrate Joey's simcha.
Dress code · Cocktail AttireEvening left open — a good night to rest up before Shabbat.
The day is yours — wander Antigua's streets, browse the market, or take one of the tours in our Explore Antigua guide below.
We'll gather at Ruinas de Santa Clara, a historic ruin in the heart of Antigua. Candle lighting at 5:39 PM, followed by Kiddush and a Shabbat dinner together as one big family.
Dress code · Shabbat AttireIt will be a truly special evening — lighting candles, singing, and sharing the table as we welcome Shabbat in the middle of this history-filled city.
Another open day to enjoy Antigua at your own pace.
Chabad is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Timing is still TBD — we're happy to help coordinate for anyone who'd like to attend, just let us know.
We'll close out the weekend together at El Bosque Antigua for drinks, bites, and one last toast before we all head home.
Dress code · CasualFebruary is peak season in Antigua, so we recommend booking your flights and your room as early as possible.
We've held a block of 50 rooms for our guests at the Camino Real Antigua — first come, first served, as the rest of the hotel is already fully booked for the weekend.
Rooms accommodate up to 5 guests. If your family is a party of five, please message us directly — that reservation needs to be coordinated by hand with the hotel.
Prefer a house or apartment? We recommend staying in central Antigua — everything is close by, the whole town is walkable, and Uber is very affordable if you'd rather not walk.
Look for listings within a few blocks of Parque Central for the easiest access to all of our events.
Fly into Guatemala City's La Aurora International Airport, the gateway to Antigua.
Antigua sits about 40 km from the airport — around an hour's drive.
For airport transfers, reach out to Any Godoy at annie@bruceguatemala.com — email only, please.
Tap any dot for details, then get walking directions straight from Google Maps. Hover a restaurant to spot it on the map.
✦ Real streets, actual addresses. Full-day trips like Pacaya Volcano, Finca Filadelfia, and Lake Atitlán sit further outside this frame — see the Beraha Family Favorites below.
Arco de Santa Catalina — Antigua's iconic yellow arch
Parque Central & Cathedral Ruins — the city's colonial heart
Iglesia de La Merced — baroque church & fountain courtyard
Convento de las Capuchinas — atmospheric ruined convent
Artisanal Market — textiles, crafts & local goods
Finca Filadelfia — coffee estate & tour just outside town
Also worth it: a kids' chocolate-making class, a shopping tour with Gaby Camacho, a coffee tour, and the spa at Casa Santo Domingo
✦ Getting around: Antigua is wonderfully walkable — bring shoes that can handle cobblestones. Uber is fast and inexpensive, tuk-tuks are great for short hops, and for longer tours, private transport (or even a helicopter) can be arranged through Annie.
Private tours with a guide and transport can be booked through Annie — annie@bruceguatemala.com. Tap any card below for details.
How much do you know about where we're gathering? Read the question, then tap the card for the answer.
Quetzal (Q), named after Guatemala's national bird — roughly Q7.7 to $1 USD.
US dollars and cards are widely accepted at most restaurants and shops.
10% is standard at restaurants.
An eSIM or roaming plan is recommended; WiFi is available at hotels and cafés.
We can't wait to celebrate this milestone with you, surrounded by volcanoes and cobblestone streets.
Father of the Bar Mitzvah Boy · 305-450-9429
Mother of the Bar Mitzvah Boy · 847-915-5699