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Map of Guatemala
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Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango is probably the most interesting place in Guatemala for experiencing the modern day Maya people. See the slide show about the Church of Santo Thomás and the slide show about the famous market at Chichicastenango.
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You will need the FULL Version of QuickTime, which is a free download, to see the above slide show. If you don't have QuickTime (it's Windows & Mac friendly), go here for the free download. If you have QuickTime and are seeing a white box and no image, click here for detailed help.
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Chichicastenango is located two and one half hours northwest by car from Guatemala City and lies just north of Lake Atitlan in the Department of El Quiché. If you go in that direction, it is quite convenient to tie in side trips to Lake Atitlan and Antigua. But the beautiful colors of the Maya people of Guatemala is no more visible than in Chichicastenango.
The center of life in Chichicastenango is the Church of Santo Thomás where you will see practiced the mixture of Catholic and indigenous Maya religious beliefs. Most of the inhabitants of Chichicastenango are indigenous Maya called Maxeños. As shown in the above slide show, the men of the Confradía wear very colorful and distinguished clothing.
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 The markeplace at Chichicastenango opens just two days per week on Thursday and Sunday and is located right next to the Church of Santo Thomás. Here you will see the local Maya women wearing very colorful clothing, the traditional Huipil, and its seems as though one is surrounded by color everywhere. The Huipil is not just a decorative colorful costume. Like most Maya weavings, it is full of symbolism and meaning. The phenomena of nature, the Sun, the cardinal directions, corn, various animals and other important cultural images are intricrately woven and the culture preserved within each weaving or Huipil worn proudly by millions of present day Maya women. For some close up views of Maya weaving, visit the Guatemala City section of this site and view the slideshow.
Click on the image to see a QuickTime SlideShow of the market at Chichicastenango.
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If you go to the market at Chichicastenango, don't miss out on the bargains on weavings, clothing and other items. For an interesting pamphlet about Chichicastenango, see An Introduction to Chichicastenango by Ruth Gruhn, Department of Anthropology, University of Alberta 1969. |
