The Carrera de Charolas

Celebrating La Fonda de la Calle Real’s 33rd anniversary with the 7th annual race event — Saturday, Nov. 15, 9 a.m.

In Spain, during the Festival of San Fermín, stampeding bulls and would-be matadors run wild in the streets of Pamplona, and in Buñol, the Festival La Tomatina is a tomato throwing free-for-all. In La Antigua Guatemala, the Carrera de Charolas features tray-carrying waiters, waitresses and bartenders racing around a pre-arranged course.

This event, organized by the Restaurants La Fonda de la Calle Real, is now in its seventh consecutive year. Participants, who work at hotels, restaurants and bars, come from far and wide, including El Salvador and Mexico.

Men and women run the course carrying a tray holding a 16-oz. bottle of soda, a sealed glass of water and a can of beer. Though everyone has a great time, it’s also a competitive event. First-place winner receives Q2,200, plus additional cash prizes for second to 10th place.

Co-sponsored by Cerveza Gallo, the race starts at 9 a.m. at central park and finishes on 5a avenida norte, in front of La Fonda de la Calle Real.

Runners pay a Q25 entry fee and all proceeds are donated to the Fundación Cultural Duane Carter for its library projects in Sacatepéquez.

For more information, contact La Fonda de la Calle Real, tel: 7832-0507, email: carreradecharolas@gmail.com or visit www.lafondadelacallereal.com