Chichicasrenango
We head to the north-west of Guatemala to visit the region of the " highlands " and particularly the " Quiche Country ".
" Chichicastenango " is an authentic but very touristic town.
It hosts the largest market in all of Central America, an event that makes it one of the most visited destinations in Guatemala.
It is here that we meet the " Mayas Quichés ", the most important ethnic group of the Altiplano, in the heart of a colourful market.
Every Thursday and Sunday, hundreds of indigenous people from all over the region come to sell their crafts and goods.
It is on the large square that the stalls settle down, proposing a show of colors and smells.
The many Mayan ethnic groups are recognizable by their traditional costumes (huipils) made of superb hand-embroidered textiles. All themes are embroidered: flowers, birds and geometric shapes.
There is no sublime monument but we visit :
* the church of Santo Tomás and its former Dominican monastery of more than 460 years. This church built in 1540 is frequented by the Indians " Quiche " who implore the forces of nature in order to obtain good harvests or recover health. They burn incense and candles inside the Catholic temple and on the 18 steps of the stairs representing the 18 months (of 20 days) of the Mayan calendar.
* the cemetery with its colorful tombs where we attend Mayan rituals.
We also came here on the "San Tomas day", the patron saint of the city. It takes place on 21st and 22nd December and is famous for its mixture of religious beliefs ... Mayan and Catholic.
People dress with their best outfit. Traditional dances are presented in the early hours of the morning in the main square.
Participants wear luxurious dresses, adorned with sparkling fringes, sequins, mirrors, as well as colorful ostrich, peacock and pheasant feathers.
Each dance is accompanied by a small musical group. Masks and dresses for each dance are ordered in specialized workshops, which maintain traditions.
The statues of the 14 confraternities are placed around the square.
They are taken in procession on their portable platforms: Saint Peter Martyr, Saint Veracruz, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Michael Archangel, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Our Lord of the Ascension, the Blessed Sacrament, Saint Geronimo, Our Lady of the Coronation, Our Lady of the Rosary, Saint Joseph, Saint Sebastian and Saint Thomas Apostle.
The procession takes a long time as the effigies bypass the vast market on a bed of flowers and candles and accompanied by the deafening noise of the firecrackers and the orchestras ... but also by a huge crowd ... it is often impossible to move ... we are tight like sardines in a tinbox !!!
What a show ... a fairytale of colors, sounds and smells.
We stay two days to enjoy the festivities that end with the traditional fireworks.
ROAD BOOK 078
MAVROS ODYSSEE