In a town full of change such as Antigua, it’s good to see that some things stay the same. Spending time with the sprightly septuagenarian Miguel Paredes, a true Antigueño, fifth generation owner of Farmacia Roca, makes you realise that not all good things need to change!
Located in 4th Calle, Farmacia Roca stands out from the many ubiquitous Guatemalan chain stores. With its wide frontage, glass cabinets, family and staff that have worked there for so many years, you cannot be but impressed by the sight of a true Antigüeño pharmacy.
It has been a pharmacy since 1920, then called Farmacia Midence. Then in 1932 ,Miguel’s fathers uncle bought the Pharmacy and it became Farmacia Roca. Later, Miguel’s father became an apprentice in Guatemala City and learnt the formulas both chemical and natural such as plants, roots and flowers. In 1952, Miguel’s father bought the property with the help of his benefactor, Don Felix Valdez for Q15,000 without interest on the condition that it always remains Farmacia Roca. It’s now a one storey building rather than two due to the 1976 earthquake!
Under Miguel Paredes, his wife and his daughter Luisa, Farmacia Roca is a true Antigueño pharmacy, traditional, with its personal attention and the care that the clients receive.
However, Miguel has some pretty plain views about the state of Antigua. That Antigua has grown but not developed. That the conditions of the villages around Antigua have not improved. The lack of culture and for the youth no sports complex and no children’s playgrounds.
Finally, as I chatted with Miguel I discovered a whole new side to him. Miguel studied history at university at San Carlos. In 1992, Miguel came across the city archives dumped within the rubbish from Central Park. Now we are talking thousands of documents dating back to the mid seventeenth century. Through his persistence, they are now located in the CFCE and Miguel is now head of the municipal archives- Well that story you can find online!
